Note to Parents.

Today is Thanksgiving day. We often think back to the first giving when the natives kept the intruders alive (to later be slaughtered by them.) And, despite the tragic way that tale ultimately ends, we still are thankful for their kindness.
I paused to think about my own first Thanksgiving day.  I would have been barely more than a month old, unable to enjoy the feast that accompanies it, or remember the festivities. But I know I ate then, I know you would have been holding me, and showing me any decorations you had. I know you were thankful for me.
I think about all the Thanksgivings since, and all the years of time between them, and how you cared for me over all the years.
You weren't perfect... and I am thankful for that, too. The imperfections of the years taught me many things I could learn no other way.
You taught me that all things worth having should be earned, and how much more those things mean when they aren't given without a price.
My lessons around your table have come to an end. The lessons you taught me are innumerable, and immensely useful to life. Lessons on how to clean, and how to work hard are both serving me well.

On this Thanksgiving day, I am thankful for the time and money you invested in me. And for all the love, and hugs over the years.

Forever your child,
Rachel

On My Toes!

Today has kept me on my toes. I almost forgot breakfast, which in the end almost made me late. As I pull down to the first stop sign, I stop. I'm looking both ways when a car pulled up across from me. Seeing the way is clear, I begin to pull out, and turn. Only to suddenly realize the person across from me has pulled out too!! If I had had any slower reflexes (Thank you older brother!), then I would have been in a wreck instead of going to work.
Now I'm stressed, and not trusting any drivers to know what they are supposed to be doing on the road. (Why did I trust any would know/do to begin with??) I should have looked thrice. The rest of the way went fine. I got to work, and I hung around waiting for the starting bell to ring.

There is one boy there that reminds me SO much of my younger brother, T. It's like talking to him, only instead of the game stuff my brother loves to talk about, it's the political stuff my father loves to talk about. I often stump his strong opinions with facts, or questions he can't answer-Which is great fun.

Later at work, the group I work with is always cutting up, and joking around. One of the ladies(L1) I work with was picking on another lady(L2). L2 was trying to count product, and L1 was yelling out random numbers to mess her up. After about listening to this for 30 seconds, I turn around and tell L1 "You know, just imagine how much you could get done if you put all that energy into your work!" All the ladies around broke out in "OOO!"s and laughter. L1 was speechless. I turned beet red and wished I'd kept my mouth shut. :P

Most of the day was uneventful, save these things. One other notable thing is the amount of work I did. I asked what was a good amount to do in a day, and they said 300 was good. So, I work hard, I worked fast... and I made it to 410 before the final bell rang. I am glad to have made it over 400. My goal is to do more, and do better than expected. Lord knows that's the only way to do things right.

Job Training: Week One.

What a busy time it has been!

My first day (Tuesday) was a half day because the final paperwork took time. So, I started that day with lunch. Across from me sat a young man of 19, who reminds me much of my brother next younger brother. He spoke freely of his strong political views, and love of all things gun, which also reminded me of my family as many of the views were the same.

The next day(Wednesday) was a full day with getting up about 6am and getting ready, and heading off to work. At first I had no idea where this place actually was because they bussed us from the Voc Rehab. So, I was waiting for the van and it shortly showed up at about 7:15. This day was the day they decided to teach me how to do the hardest part of putting together the saline kits. The first day they showed me part 2of3 and this day, 3of3. (There are more to packaging, but that goes to another station.) They were AMAZED with how quickly I caught on. They told me that it usually takes a week for someone to get the hang of it. By lunch time they were taking my work to show the head man (of the Voc Rehab part) in this plant! Who came by to personally proclaim "Good Job."

The third day (Thursday) I was working by myself, with someone coming by to check my work now and again. This day I was working on my speed more, since I had the quality down. I did step 3 on about 375 saline kits that day. I had begun taking riddles to join into the conversation somewhat. (Plus it made me feel smarter to know these that they didn't. :P )

On day four, Friday, the day is cut in half: Getting off at the lunch break. And for anyone who has been there more than a week, it is payday. I was quiet and simply worked this day, ready to be home awhile. I was upset most the day (see below), the brightest spot in this one was talking with a new friend at break.

So, here I am, posting on my day off to tell you I can't sleep in! Though my nervousness had been waking me at about 5 most day, and today I slept until 7, I didn't get any more sleep because I was up late reading last night. But, oh well, I enjoyed it. :)

Over all it has been a very good first week. And week two will have even less work days thanks to thanksgiving! I'm looking forward to going back on monday. This week was not without a few bumps... like on Friday when I attempted to drive to my training for the first time. I got lost several times, and walked through the door 3 STEPS before the starting bell rang. So, that was... fun. I was glad I had left more than an hour early. I was crying when I walked in the door, and had trouble doing otherwise the rest of the day.

Owed, Deserved, Rights!

We hear these constantly today in time. Almost every commercial on TV as "Because you deserve the best" or some such nonsense. The only thing we deserve is Hell. The only rights we have are the ones God gave us. No one owes us anything, or any reason as such. (I will grant the "owed" with bills and such, where a transaction/deal has been made.)
I was reading For Better Or For Worse ( http://fborfw.com/strip_fix/2014/11/06/ ) And the note given at the bottom. She comments that her children, and those other that fall into that category "owe" a certain response. Why? Is everything done as a parent done with strings attached? Is that the reason people have children to have someone oweing them?

I had to give this some thought.

The mindset of our country is one that loves self and loves things. Many people only help others so that they will be "owed" for later. This is where the christian ought to be different. Instead of always wanted to be owed something, the mindset of Christ is to give without strings attached.
Christ came to earth to go through a painful death process, to rise again that we would have the chance at salvation full and free.
I remember an example my grandmother made when I was younger. Mammaw taught the kids up stairs. One day she explained the salvation give with an oatmeal cookie.
"It's like this. I can say 'Rachel, this is for you' but if she doesn't take it, then it's not really hers."
(I would have gladly taken the treat, just as any kid in the room, but her example went on.)
She walked over to the next child to my left and said "The same is offered to *kids name*" Mammaw hands it out, and kid takes it. "The same offer was given to both, but only the one who took it gets it."

We are not owed salvation, and we certainly don't deserve it! We have no right to it, or any reason to think it should be ours. I know this is true because of Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Only God in all His glory is perfect, sinless, and right. He only deserves all good things.

I have fought with thoughts that fall into this very category. If I had not, there would be no post about it. In regards to my health, and my few goals in life, I have felt like I should be given more. This has been no short battle with God, but when I finally asked Him, "So, what DO you want me to do?" He answered "Pray. Pray for those in your church. pray for your friends. Pray for those you don't like, and pray for those you do. Pray glorifying things to Me. Pray praises and songs. Speak to Me while you wait." This, of course, broke my heart. I have been spending so little time with my Lord, and even now have put off time with Him for other things such as writing this. My failings are great, but so much greater is my Lord.
Whenever I find myself low, I know it is because I have not sought the One that lifts me up.
He deserves all, because He made all. He is all. Everything is because God made it, and He made it for Himself. He has given us the choice, He does not demand that we give Him what He deserves, in part because He knows we can't. We can never suply God with all the good He is owed.

The challenge of this post is simple. Seek God. Know that you are owed nothing, and He is owed everything. Realize that the thoughts of "owed" and "deserve" are ones of pride which is the worst sin in the world save blaspheming the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 12:31 Mark 3:29 Luke 12:10 )

Side note:
 Pride was the first sin committed. Lucifer committed it as he tried to make himself God. He destroyed himself and 1/3rd of the angels who followed him. Now he seeks to destroy all those that follow God.