Still here...

No, I do not post anymore, but I don't want to delete my blog... yet.

ps. the picture is just for pictures-sake.

simply precious*

The Couch Family.:

+Sam&Ali

andtheir beautiful boys

.Jackson.Colby.Bo.Max.

jackson
colby
bo

[trampolines are so much *fun*]

++

I have the privilage of serving with Sam at the cafe, and have so enjoyed getting to know him and his beautiful family. Jake and I did a family photo-shoot for their Christmas pictures. what a joy!

a new leaf

Yes, it is true.

Jake is courting me... *smile*

Home.

I will miss her dearly, but I know she is happy. & one day soon...

Grammy~
*little
*giggles
*aLady
*gentle but strong
*patient yet stubborn
*good housekeeper
*butterflies
*humming birds
*hamburger soup
*hairpins
*Lovely
*homecoming Queen
*wife *51years*
*mother
*grandmother
*teacher
*wrap-skirts&curls

~*Treasure*~

"but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." galations5:22&23

more deep and [not so] profound brain things inside my head.

Did you ever ponder what it would look like if our spiritual flaws were as our physical flaws: more appearant to ourselves than to others.

Sin is deceptive, and can often escape our notice, unlike that blemish on our nose- we make a big deal out of it and attempt to cover it up. (Well, we try and cover sin up too when we see it. maybe I'm not making this point well).

(And okay, perhaps females can relate to this better than guys).

**We are quick to complain about a frightful feature, but are we as quick to grieve over our sin?

:Sovereign:

I had a thought:

why would I try and play God? if I were God, I would be alone, for everyone who has ever offended me or sinned against me, or just flat out annoyed me, would have been instantly condemned to hell. I say that, not because I want that for any of those around me, but because apart from the work of the Spirit, I have no grace in myself to breathe onto others. Without grace, there can be no forgiveness. Therefore I am grateful for the grace God provides for me to be gracious to others, and to forgive. (aren't you?) how can I not forgive stupid little things when I have already offended the Great God of the universe?

amazing grace

O Thou Giving God,

My heart is drawn out in thankfulness to thee,

for thy amazing grace and condescension to me

in influences and assistances of thy Spirit,

for special help in prayer,

for the sweetness of Christian service,

fro the thoughts of arriving in heaven,

for always sending me needful supplies,

for raising me to knew life when I am like one dead.

I want not the favour of man ot lean upon

for thy favour is infinitely better.

Thou art eternal wisdom in dispensations towards me;

and it matters not when, nor where, nor how I serve thee,

nor what trials I am exercised with ,

if I might but be prepared for thy work and will.

No poor creature stands in need of divine grace more than I do,

And yet none abuses it more than I have done, and still do.

How heartless and dull I am!

Humble me in the dust for not loving thee more.

Every time I exercise any grace renewedly

I am renewedly indebted to thee,

the God of grace, for special assistance.

I cannot boast when I think how dependant

I am upon thee for the being and every act of grace;

I never do anything else but depart from thee,

and if I ever get to heaven it will be beacuse thou willest it,

and for no reason beside.

I love, as a feeble, afflicted, despised creature,

to cast myself on thy infinite grace and goodness,

hoping for no happiness but from thee;

Give me special grace to fit me fro special services,

and keep me calm and resigned at all times,

humble, solemn, mortified,

and conformed to thy will.

From The Valley of Vision

Psalm 103

1Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless His holy name!

2Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all His benefits,

3who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

4who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love

and mercy,

5who satisfies you with good

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

10He does not deal with us according to

our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

11For as high as the heavens are above the

earth,

so great is His steadfast love toward
those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far does He remove our

transgressions from us.

13As a father shows compassion to his

children,

so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.

14For He knows our frame;

He remembers that we are dust.

15As for man, his days are like grass;

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16for the wind passes over it, and it is

gone,

and it's place knows it no more.

17But the steadfast love of the Lord is

from everlasting to everlasting on

those who fear Him,

and His righteousness to children's

children,

18to those who keep His convenant

and remember to do His commandments.

19The Lord has established His throne in

the heavens,
and His kingdom rules over all.

*note: zach jones put this psalm to music in the 'fuse' cd. really good.

-beks

*Count it all Joy*

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

And let steadfastness have its full effect,

that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God,

who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting,

for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

for that person must not suppose that he will recieve anything from the Lord;

he is a double-minded man, unstable in his ways."

.James 1:2-8.

Quotes from Joe Calabello's sermon in Jacksonville on Sunday, July 15th, 2007:

::Trials are the way to maturity...

>"it is by faith that we are saved, justified, and brought near to God. Therefore, it should be no surprise that it is our faith that is tested by the trails."

>"How will you know how strong your faith is in God unless it is tested? Do you think God is the one who needs to know how strong your faith is?"

>"the way we respond to a trial exposes what we really believe."

>"we don't control the weather-- we respond to it. Likewise, we don't control trials-- we respond to them."

::Trials cause us to depend on God...

>"If we try to do everything in our own strength, we will never learn to rely on God."

>"The children of Israel had to learn to trust God... those trials brought them to a deeper trust in God."

>"The assumption is that everyone in a trial lacks wisdom of some kind. This is a time for God-given understanding that enables a person to avoid the paths of wickedness and to live a life of righteousness."

****

Very good message. even when I am away from my home church, God still speaks so directly to me.

/out.

flickr.

here's the link to my flickr page with some of my better photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9448118@N03/

if that doesn't work, go to flickr.com and search photos: Rebekah Joy

feel free to share the link, and give any input.

:COMING SOON...

Yes, Haiti has come and gone- almost a month ago. sorry to all who were expecting a lengthy post on the experience. I am slowly fading from the blogger world.

So hopefully soon, I will have a blog up dedicated completely to pictures from Haiti.

Mwe fou.

.farewell..

and so I begin a new journey to a new place...

Haiti:2007 Live the Commission

"piffle"

I really don't know what to write. I have nothing profound to say. Therefore I feel like I am wasting a post. However people have been waiting. Perhaps you'd prefer to wait a little longer, no? Wait until I actually have something intelligent to say, yes? Well, that may take some time.

It may be 11:00 at night, but it is too early to go to bed, with a bit of leftover Chinese food in my stomach. The sweet and sour pork is really good. Thanks Jake. 4 club crackers with Jiff PB on them were not dinner enough for me. Can I just say that moms are my heros? Especially mothers of small children. I mean, how do they ever get time to feed themselves??

There seems to be no logical reason to do an update on my life, seeing as those few that read this are a big part of my life. I was about to say that they are my life, but that sounds idolotrous.

This is my last night of having my own room. It has been jolly good fun. Oops... cleaning off Felicity's bed, that's one thing I have to do tomorrow. It is nice to have a room all to one's self.


Alright. I may end up deleting this silly post later.


"Peter, if anyone does marry you, it will be for the pleasure of hearing you talk piffle." says Harriet to Lord Peter.

.(Trust).

"but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint"

~Isaiah 40:31~

How many times have I read that verse and breezed right over it? "Yay! another chapter finished. moving on." It's printed on bookmarks, keychains, notebook covers, greeting cards. How many times have I seen it and not taken it to heart? Far too often, I confess.

Today Wayne preached on the 40th chapter of Isaiah. As almost all the messages in this series have been, this message was exceedingly applicable. It was entitled "Comfort of God's Promise" focusing on His greatness and His strength in our weaknesses. I don't really know how to write it out without just re-teaching all that Wayne said. in that case, you can just listen to the message.

anyways. I was reminded that God is way ahead of us all. always. Why do we worry about tomorrow, when He had it all planned out before time begun? I find myself not trusting God in the little things and in the not so little things. Sometimes I feel weak when I have to constantly pray for help. well, duh! wake up Rebekah. of course you're weak. and the good news is, He welcomes our cries for help and freely lifts my burdens. it is a sign of humility to be constantly giving up my cares to Him, all I have to do is ask, and submit it to Him. Now I am just preaching to myself. Sorry. getting off course.

In this, I see my self-sufficiency. (and impatience, but that's another story). My tendency is to think I know best, and if everyone did everything my way, everything would be sunshine and daisies. But what I am really saying is that God's strength is not enough to solve my problems and that I have to take care of it myself. Wayne asked the question: are you such a controller you can't live on God's terms? He also pointed out that that is having thoughts of God that are too small. I was convicted of that. as much as I would not like to think of it that way, it's true- I have diminished God in my mind, and created a false image of Him. that is idolatry. and that is sin.

I must repent (to completely turn around), and continue to give up my life to Him, trusting Him as all I need. easier said than done. but He is faithful, even when we are not, and He will not disapoint or let down. because He is gracious and loving, and blesses His beloved.

Not sure how to end this, so I shall let my friend Solomon sum it up in his words:

"Trust in the Lord with all oyur heart,

and lean not on your own undertanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."

~Proverbs 3:5-8~

wow. that was long.

God's purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour

the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower

"In the Bible, God is saying 'you won't understand Me, but you can always trust Me. If I surprise you with trouble, I will also surprise you with the joy I'll bring out of that trouble. You may struggle to believe that right now. But what seems impossible is the very thing I specialize in.'"- Ray Ortlund Jr

I'm not going through anything "major" or painful at the moment, but I thought those lines in the song "God Moves" and the quote were good reminders.

and maybe it can encourage someone who may be passing by. I hope it does.

/out like a squashed lightning bug/

.Teach Me Your Paths.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame...

Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;

they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all the day long...

Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;

according to your steadfast love remember me,

for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
Good and upright is the Lord;

therefore He instructs sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in what is right,

and teaches the humble His way.

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,

for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.

Who is the man who fears the Lord?

Him will He instruct in the way that he should choose.

His soul shall abide in well-being,

and his offspring shall inherit the land.

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him,

and He makes known to them his covenant.

My eyes are ever toward the Lord,

for He will pluck my feet out of the net...

Consider my affliction and my trouble,

and forgive all my sins...
Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!

Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you...

:Psalm 25 ./condensed/.

/restart/

Every morning that breaks
There are mercies anew
Every breath that I take
Is your faithfulness proved
And at the end of each day
When my labors are through
I will sing of Your mercies anew

When I’ve fallen and strayed
There were mercies anew
For you sought me in love
And my heart you pursued
In the face of my sin
Lord, You never withdrew
So I sing of Your mercies anew

And Your mercies, they will never end
For ten thousand years they’ll remain
And when this world’s beauty has passed away
Your mercies will be unchanged

And when the storms swirl and rage
There are mercies anew
In affliction and pain
You will carry me through
And at the end of my days
When Your throne fills my view
I will sing of Your mercies anew
I will sing of Your mercies anew

["mercies anew" by mark altrogge and bob kauflin]

::Haiti::

Haiti:

Capitol: Port-au-Prince

Population: 7,527,817 millionn with a growth rate of 1.8% per annum; 95% African descent, 5% mixed

Official Languages: Creole, French

Government: Republic type of government with a President directly elected by the people; a Prime Minister designated by the President from the majority party in the two-chamber Parliament, or in the absence of a majority, in consultation with the legislative leadership. President,Jean-Bertrand Aristide; Prime Minister : Yvon Neptune.

Currency: Gourde; US$ 1 = Gdes 40 (October 2003)

+++++++++++++++

I had plans, and they seemed legitimate. Mission trip to Wales? I am so there! I have wanted to go to the UK longer than I can remember, and since recently I felt God was laying it on my heart. I wrote to the Sovereign Grace Churches in Wales and England, and got a repsonse from a cool young lady named Ruth. She lives in Wales, and I thought "this could be it- the roots are starting." so when I found out that there was going to be a team sent to Wales, I applied. We were told to put down our top 3 choices, so I listed 1. Wales 2. New Orleans, LA 3. La Paz, Bolivia.
As the time got closer to finding out our destiations, I was more and more certain that I was getting my wish. but, like He usually does, God had other plans. After weeks of tormentuous waiting, the letter came (when I wasn't expecting it, which made a nice suprise). My eyes quickly scrolled down to the highlighted part that read... Haiti?!?! What? that wasn't even an option to me! it wasn't even in the top 5! confusion. SHOCK. What the heck is going on? so to make a long story a shortish story, no, the wrong letter was not put in the wrong envelope, God must have said "Jeremy, send Rebekah Schwab to Haiti."



Yup. so I'm going to Haiti (not Hades, thankfully, I'm saved that punishment). I am so excited, I want to scream! the more I read about it, the more I learn, the more excited I am. It sounds so adventurous, and I know God has great plans for the trip. now I just have to wait to get details (I love details). At least I know I most likely will not have to get any shots, since I got them 2 years ago, and most of them are good for several years.

so this is a rather scatter-brained post, but I am so very excited and amazed at God's goodness and sovereignty, I have to write (type) it all out. I know He will use this time to teach me to Trust in Him, and teach me many other things that I need to learn.

*sigh* life is good.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work fro the good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

<=pink lemonade=>

These guys are fun. they make me laugh.

the 3-man tower is [[bottom to top]]:
:jOnAh+

:bRaNdOn//
:jAkE>

not pictured: @@ron and e\\iot

"everyone has to grow up, but no one has to be a grown up" - Sir J M Barrie

*stars*

"when i look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
the moon and stars that You have set in place,
what is man that You should love him,
and the son of man that You care for him...
... O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!"

Psalm 8:3&4&9

+photos by beks and dams+