Arise Ministries Collective Team - Arise Ministries Collective

Podcast 008 – “Surviving the Young Mama Years”

October 22, 2018

Are you a mom of young kids who feels like she’s drowning in comparison, hurried schedules, missing socks, and way too many dirty diapers? The challenges and demands placed on mothers today can be overwhelming! Listen to Rachel and Lisa discuss their own struggles and successes as they reflect on “Surviving the Young Mama Years” in this month’s new podcast.

If you live in the Clark County, Washington area, we invite you to check out this local resource that ministers to moms of all ages: https://summitviewchurch.churchcenter.com/groups/women-s-ministry/moms

You can also find a local MOPS group for support, community, and resources closer to where you live: https://www.mops.org

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Dying Well

October 8, 2018

Dying well every day.

There is no mistaking the fact that the Prince of Life calls to every person,

“Come, follow me towards life.”

The glow of His face, the satisfaction in His eyes, and the way in which He speaks of life draws our hopes to a crescendo. Stepping forward, at the call toward Jesus, is one step closer to true life.

For many, following Jesus has ended with the first step of saying yes, “I’ll follow… but…”

Confusion ensues as we start this journey toward life. We see that Jesus is holding heaven in one hand and hell in the other. It seems that there is no heaven without hell. Theologically speaking, there is no life without death. For Jesus to draw us into the heavens, it was necessary for him to pull our humanity through the consequences of sin. For humanity to experience heaven, it took ‘The Human’ to walk through hell. This is the beautiful work of Jesus – humanity and divinity in perfect unity walking through the front doors of hell and kicking out the back wall, setting believing captives free.

The work of Jesus has set us free from our slavery to death. However, does this mean that we can expect our journey towards life to be death free? I wish it did.

Personally, I have died more since attaching my life to Jesus than apart from him. Sometimes the hells that Jesus walks me through are such fiery trials that my walk slows to a crawl. I begin ask myself “How sure am I that this ‘Jesus’ is really leading me toward life and not death?” In moments like this, I have consistently been brought to my knees, barely being able to whisper the prayer “God, my God, Jesus, my Jesus, please… please remember that I am made of but dust. Remember my humanity, remember I can only take so much.”

Some of the most profound moments of abundant life have been birthed from seasons. Yes, seasons. If not years, of wretched death in my inner soul. Sorrow, doubt, heartbreak and rejection have been much of the setting of my journey. Yet Jesus has been my companion, my leader, my friend.

What has been profoundly encouraging to me, is that in the midst of this shadowy journey, when I look to Jesus and still see the hope of heaven in his eyes – His words whispered about life in the shadow of death are all the more beautiful.

As directly as Jesus says:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

He also says:

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”.

There is a tension we must learn to embrace as we follow Jesus. Life and death are tied together. But, ONLY FOR NOW.

It seems that the road to life for Jesus, as well as His followers, is not escaping the pains of death. It is found walking through the pains of death as we follow Jesus into resurrection life.

Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.

Our work as servants and disciples of Jesus is simply to

Die well. Every day.

If we want to experience resurrection life in our souls today, we must die well today also.

David Libby is a Pastor at the Summit View Westside Campus church in Vancouver. He is married to Rachel Libby, and together they have four amazingly brilliant and wild children that they get the honor and adventure of raising.

David is passionate about engaging with the local community and he builds intentional relationships with whomever God puts in his path. His desire is that the church would be a place that is safe enough to heal, but dangerous enough to grow.

He is passionate about creating space each week for people to encounter the presence of God. His desire is that the local church would be influential in every aspect of the local community by how we love each other and the those around us.

Thriving at His Feet

October 1, 2018

How on earth did I end up face down on the concrete driveway?! Seriously. I hope your week has been better then mine!

I have a little more on my plate than is truly manageable… and when I am overwhelmed I tend to get a little, how should I put this, scattered… clumsy… and calamatus. The only redeeming thing about this is that I also get very entertaining for my family.

Almost every day this week I have had some sort of catastrophe merely attempting to get my kids off to school and myself out of the house…

To start off my week, I was running 20 minutes late, and managed to stab myself in the eye with my mascara wand. I began blinking profusely and ended up with a crazy racoon eye. I wiped it off, decided that it might just be a “lipstick only” kind of day, and then proceeded to knock a burning candle over while grabbing my purse to run out the door. Candle wax everywhere. Cleaned that up, got to the door and I realized I didn’t have my shoes on… and began frantically yelling as I ran in circles through the house, ”David!!! I can’t find my shoes! Wait, have you seen my phone… and uh, where are my keys???!” Bless him. He just shook his head and asked “Should you even be driving today, honey?” Then he winked at me and handed me my shoes and keys as we laughed together and I scrambled out the door.

A high point of this week has been that the kids have made it to school on time every day! That feels like a huge success. I may have run out to kiss my kids goodbye multiple times in my pajamas as they climbed onto the bus. Don’t worry, I think they love it. And, they are definitely not embarrassed at all when I rush in a quick little prayer as they get in line to board the bus, “Jesus, be a shield around them and keep them safe today.” (bus doors close) and “LOVE YOU!!!”… then proceed to wave at all the other students as the bus drives off, continuing its route through the neighborhood.

There was one morning in specific where I realized, “Oh my word, David!!!! We have officially become THOSE crazy people in our neighborhood.”

Don’t even pretend to not know what I’m talking about. None of us are that holy. Every neighborhood has “those” crazy people, “that” interesting family… and in our neighborhood, I believe, that this week (and maybe every week) we win both those prizes.

Back to the high point of my week – the day that finalized our neighborhood status… David and I were both running late, so he rushed off to work. We had gotten 3 out 4 kids on the bus successfully. Praise Jesus. As Sunday waited for her bus, she and I unloaded all our camping gear out of the suburban to fill it with a clothing donation for Arise. Sunday and I made about 8 successful trips from the Suburban to the house without our two insane dogs escaping. But as luck would have it, just as we put the last load down at the entryway of our home, Sunday heard her bus coming. As she turned to go out the front door, both dogs escaped.

Sunday quickly grabbed Gus’ collar. (Gus is David’s English Bulldog who weighs a solid 70 pounds. He is adorable, but stubborn and mighty.) He jolted forward and she began to trip over the doorway, but still held on tight to his collar. Sunday began to stumble as Gus drug her forward on the concrete. In that moment, my mama instincts kicked in. Without even thinking I SUPERMAN dove over Sunday (I don’t even know how that was even possible stored up Mom power, I guess?!) – head first, arms outstretched and grabbed ahold of his collar. It was a small Christmas miracle that I was even able to get ahold of it without landing on my sweet little girl. As I was like, “YESSS! Well done Rachel! You’re not even athletic and that dive was everything it needed to be and more!!!!”… I proceeded to collide with the pavement. I landed with a huge thud and then the mighty (and quite naughty) Gus drug me into the driveway. I lost a little skin and a lot of dignity on that pavement, because just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse…. Sunday’s bus rolled up. #winning #momoftheyear

I am ALL kinds of sore today. Like, actually, I can barely move.

But I will say this. It is a good thing I don’t take myself too seriously. I laughed so hard I cried. As I tended to my scrapes and bruises, I heard God whisper over me… “Slow down Rachel, you are missing the most important thing in all your haste.”

This culture that we live in praises

rush, rush, rush,

plan, plan, plan,

busy schedules, full calendars, and overflowing plates.

I don’t think it’s just me.

If the way we are organizing our life and time is running us and we feel out of control then we might be missing the most important thing.

It feels like I have known the Mary & Martha story in Gospels since my childhood. We even used to sing a song about the two sisters in Sunday school. My whole life I had always pictured myself as Mary… Then came this humble season of life. As I took time to tend to my pavement wounds and process why I was in this scattered state all week, God gently prompted me to read again the well known story in Luke of the two sisters.

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.””

Luke 10:38-42 ESV

As I read those 6 verses my heart became increasingly weighted. I knew why God had put those verses in between the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Lord’s Prayer. It was purposeful.

It was for me. And, many people like me.

My grandma is a hard worker, my mother is a hard worker, I am a hard worker. We all take much pride in good work ethic, long ministry hours and our ability to host and love on everyone God brings into our homes.

-I am the welcomer – I love to invite people in. v.38

-I am the one always distracted and busy with serving and all of the details so that others are blessed. v.40

-I can become resentful and maybe even a little indignant when I am working hard and others choose to spend their time in other ways. v.40

-I am also the one who is anxious and troubled about many things. v.41

-I am Martha.

But how I long to be Mary.

The King of Kings, Jesus, the Savior of the world was in her home!

Martha wanted to serve Him and honor Him. I get that. Her gift of service and intention was beautiful. Her attitude when she was the only one working- not so much. Maybe that is the best way to gauge if we are actually doing what we are supposed to be doing in the moment. Not our intentions – but the attitude of our hearts. The why. Why are we doing what we are doing? She was working so hard that she missed the point. His presence and His person. Jesus wanted all of her – Her attention, her time, her listening ear. He was seeking relational, intentional moments with her. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and actively listening. He was pouring out His wisdom, His peace, His love, and His person and Martha was too busy serving to receive it. Jesus was there to connect with her person.

I have been missing His presence. I long for it. I miss it in the haste. And, the Martha role is not working for me. I need to diligently carve out time to sit at His feet and listen – expectantly awaiting sweet relational, intentional moments with my Savior.

His presence, His power, His truth, His wisdom, His strength, His rest, His immeasurable love. I want it all.

I wish I was an expert at being a Mary, but the truth is – I’m not! I have been surviving for months – not thriving. That’s why my week has played out in this fragmented and scattered way. I’ve been pouring out from a depleted, empty and over-run self. I feel it. The weight of it – the emptiness of it. I need to slow down and be purposeful with the time He has given me – so that I don’t miss the most important thing. Him.

Podcast 007 – “Bible Study”

September 24, 2018

Walk into any bookstore and you’ll find a plethora of biographies, self-help, and even Christian non-fiction promising to help us deal with life’s daily joys and struggles. There are books on marriage, parenting, friendship, finances, and spiritual wholeness. But there is nothing (not even one thing) that gives answers like the Bible does. It is God’s direct message to US – His love letter to those He sent His son to redeem and save. And we GET TO study it, know it, and let it change us.

We hope you’ll join us as we take some time to chat about the importance of Bible Study in our own lives, and consider reading and praying through some of these scriptures in response to the conversation:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Proverbs 30:5-6
Joshua 1:6-9
Isaiah 55:11
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Revelation 22:18-19

We also hope you’ll become desperate for the Word of God and begin seeing it as your lifeline in relationship with Jesus. It truly is at the heart of everything Arise Ministries Collective believes and does.

Here are a few things you can do to get started:

Just Do It: It doesn’t matter if you’re a new follower of Christ or have loved Him for as a long as you can remember – It’s never too late to start studying the Bible with depth, purpose and discipline. God’s Word is a gracious gift to us – He will help you and give you the wisdom you need (James 1:5).

Find a Group: While it’s important to study and wrestle through biblical truths on your own, discussing what you’ve learned in a group is ideal for motivation and building community. Many local churches have Bible Study groups and classes listed on their website. If you can’t find one, round up some friends, download one of our worksheets, and begin one together! We suggest starting with something like James, Luke, 1 Peter, or even Psalm 139.

Join a Class: Precept Ministries International trains leaders in the Inductive Method and provides excellent study guides! You can find classes all over the world. Consider joining one of the groups offered at Summit View Church if you live in the Vancouver, Washington area.

Believe: True study that engages both heart and mind will change you. Believe it and cling to the truth that His Word will never return void (Isaiah 55:11). Reject the lie that you aren’t committed enough, smart enough, or don’t have the time. Believe that you are disciplined and claim the fact that He gave you an able mind and spirit. Make the time. You will be so very grateful in the end.

Oh that we might be women who know the Word of God and live according to it!

In Him and through Him,

Rachel & Lisa

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Enough.

September 17, 2018

Enough.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day…I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’” Exodus 16:4,12

It’s early and the house is quiet. It’s dark outside, but I can hear the first pattering of rain after a long, dry summer reminding me that Fall is here.

I’m not ready for it.

It’s been a difficult season. Our kids are growing, my role is changing, and life has become more fast-paced than I’m comfortable with. I’d welcome Autumn if it meant long evenings by the fire and leisurely family dinners with stew and apple cider, but our lives are hurried and scattered and we rarely seem to be in the same place at once.

The season feels like too much.

Too much running. Too much driving. Too much homework. Too many deadlines and expectations. Too many drive-thrus. Too much laundry. Too many hurried goodbyes and hasty “have-a-good-days”.

And too much often makes me feel like there’s not enough.

Not enough time. Not enough beauty. Not enough laughter. Not enough rest. Not enough waiting. Not enough together. Not enough quiet.

So I’ve been reading Exodus and studying manna. Because sometimes misery loves company and the Israelite grumblings make me feel right at home.

Enough is Enough.

God heard the Hebrews’ complaints. They were tired, hungry, and confused. So much so that they longed for the days of captivity in Egypt – Choosing chains over freedom so they would no longer be in want.

Then something unimaginable happened.

Provision poured down from the heavens and lay on the barren earth to be collected.

It was life-giving bread in abundance, but each was to take only what was needed:

When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’” And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. Exodus 16:15-18

They took just enough for the day to trust that more would come in the morning.

But a few didn’t believe enough was really enough.

Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it for tomorrow. But some of them did not listen to Moses and saved part of it.” The next morning it was full of worms and smelt rotten, and Moses was angry with them. Exodus 16: 19-20

Can I state the obvious here? Neighbors of the faithless would have smelled their rotten distrust. Those who couldn’t believe that the Lord would provide more manna in the morning had to deal with the putrid aftermath of their unbelief.

Hoarding and the desire for more than what we really need has consequences that may make others want to pinch their nose closed.

I fear smelling like the “need more” Israelite right now. My failure to trust God’s provision in this season breeds a rotten attitude – One that reeks of discontent and selfish comparison. My sneaky sub-conscience tells me I’m more busy, more tired, spend more time in the car shuttling kids, have more people’s needs to meet, and need more time in the day than anyone else.

When we behave like we deserve more, we may very well smell like it – Discontent and distrust emanating from our pores.

But we can counter this by understanding and clinging to the Word of God. The deliverance of manna in Exodus 16 depicts this truth: His provision may not be what we expect or would have chosen, but will satisfy if we let it. He wants us to rely on HIM for sustenance instead of creating it ourselves or determining what we believe we need for tomorrow.

God wants us to receive his manna fresh each day.

And He wants us to remember that it was He who provided it.

I just love how Moses sums up the miracle and its purpose in Deuteronomy 8. I know it’s long, but hang in there because it really is worth the read:

“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; 12 otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 15 He led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water; He brought water for you out of the rock of flint. 16 In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end.17 Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ 18 But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. 19 It shall come about if you ever forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish. 20 Like the nations that the Lord makes to perish before you, so you shall perish; because you would not listen to the voice of the Lord your God.

Everything we have and everything we are is a direct result of God’s provision. He gives it daily so we’re humble enough to know it’s from Him – To test our unbelief and keep us dependent.

When we’re not enough, don’t have enough, can’t be enough, He gives enough.

When our identity isn’t what it once was, our friends not who we thought they were, our dreams left unfulfilled, we can trust that He is enough and behave like it’s true.

Enough is Still Enough

Manna for the day doesn’t stop with the Israelites in the wilderness. It continues in the New Testament when the disciples ask Jesus how they should pray. He gives them the most beautiful and all-encompassing example in The Lord’s Prayer.

While I encourage you to read the entire prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, let’s settle in on verse 11. Read it over a few times and allow it to soak in.

Give us THIS day our daily bread.

THIS day.

Daily bread.

Enough nourishment for this day.

Enough sustenance for this day.

Just enough.

It doesn’t mean we don’t make other requests or tell Him our deepest longings. We can pray bold and audacious prayers in expectation that He’s able to do the impossible. But the intention in which we ask must be to further His Kingdom and honor His will.

The rest of Matthew 6 testifies to this when Jesus addresses worrying about tomorrow:

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Our good and gracious Father already knows our needs and will satisfy them all! There is no point to being anxious about tomorrow when our intentions are pure: Seeking His Kingdom and righteousness above all else.

Because He was enough for the Israelites and is still enough for us.

This is what I’m going to do in this too much and not enough season, and I hope you’ll join me: I’m asking Him for my daily bread and believing He will provide everything I need.

Let’s trust Him enough for tomorrow, today.

With expectation that He can and contentment when He does,

Lisa

About the Author: Lisa DaSilva is a wife, mom of two teenagers, and advocate for women to love God with their heart, soul and mind as they engage in responsible study of His Word. She writes, speaks, and teaches the Bible to anyone who will read or listen.

Lisa is a teacher by trade and passion, voice for the marginalized, recovering striver, and lover of simplicity, authenticity, and all things pretty. She enjoys thrift store shopping and often has to convince people she’s an introvert. Just a loud one.

Loving Jesus and making Him known really is her everything.

Loving Our Literal Neighbors

September 10, 2018

Loving Our Literal Neighbors

(and why it took me way too long to do it)

Guest Contributor & Writer Kristen Engleking

Four years ago, my husband and I bought our first home. We had high hopes for how we would show the love of Jesus to our new neighbors. We moved into our house in August 2014, and we slowly met a of couple families. Most interactions were pretty brief but we felt like we had done our new neighbor duty to at least introduce ourselves.

Then a year went by, and there had been very little interaction with others on our street. Another year went by. During those years, during Bible study or community group I would occasionally ask my friends to pray that I would be more intentional about loving my neighbors. I knew it was important, and somewhere in my heart I really did want to reach out. The thing is, praying about it was not the same as doing it. I made excuses. I was frustrated that the other neighbors weren’t making much of an effort. I was irritated that our street wasn’t a “fun” street. We didn’t have block parties or do fireworks together on 4th of July or ask each other for butter and eggs. As frustrated as I was about the lack of neighboring going on, I wasn’t doing much to help. I was contributing to the modern American stereotype of people who pull their car in the garage and shut the door almost immediately when they get home.

In spring of 2017, the night before Easter, I felt convicted to reach out to our next door neighbor – an older, single woman who lived alone. I felt like I was supposed to invite her to our Easter Sunday service. I knocked on her door, invited her to church, and she came the next morning! I felt thankful that she came and also kind of proud of myself as we introduced her to our family and friends, like, “This is my neighbor, who we invited to church, because we are intentional Jesus followers who are loving our neighbors.” Good for me, right? Well, guess what happened after that? It pains me to type the words, but after that Easter service, I didn’t even talk to her for an ENTIRE YEAR. The next time I talked to her was nearly a year later when I was finally outside doing yard work and she happened to be outside, too. How about that for intentional Jesus follower and loving neighbor?

When it came to loving our actual neighbors, I was overthinking it and under-doing it (a habit of mine on many levels). After living here for four years, I finally realized that if I wanted relationships with my neighbors, I was going to have to do something about it.

So we decided to throw a block party. I downloaded a free invitation template online for us to customize, print, and pass out to our neighbors. Three days before the party we knocked on doors and handed out invitations. Our street only has ten houses on it, but most of our neighbors were able to come.

The night of the party was a hot, August evening. We found an 80s Summer BBQ playlist to set the vibe, grilled a bunch of hamburgers and hoped that it would be a fun, non-awkward night. Neighbors wandered over with lawn chairs and side dishes or desserts to share. Taco salad. Gluten free brownies. Cans of lemonade. Bags of chips. We sat around in lawn chairs in front of our house and just got to know each other. Some people met for the first time. We covered the basic conversation topics; things like jobs, schools, how long people had lived on our street and where they had lived previously. Before the night ended we made a list of everyone’s contact info so we could get ahold of each other if needed.

There wasn’t anything fancy about it, and we didn’t lead anyone to Jesus. It was just a night of neighbors being neighbors. It felt like the beginning of a good thing. We still have a lot of relationship building to do, but we took a step in that direction. It’s embarrassing that the beginning is four years into our life on this street, but I needed to remember that it’s never too late to obey. When Jesus said, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31), I’m sure he wanted us to love those around us in general. But I’m also fairly sure he didn’t want us to overlook our actual, literal neighbors. I feel like Jesus has been teaching me in all of our years on this street that instead of waiting around for someone else to be loving and intentional, He was asking me to be the one to do it. If I’m the one tasked with carrying the light and love of Jesus into the world, then why wouldn’t I just throw a party for my street?

Maybe you live in an incredible neighborhood where you make friends easily and it feels like the most natural thing in the world to show the love of Jesus to your neighbors. But maybe your situation is different. Maybe you’re in an apartment that you didn’t think you’d still be in by now, and all you can think about is how loud and obnoxious your upstairs neighbors are. Or you wish the people across from you would just close their dang blinds. In your case, tolerating your neighbors feels like a lot to ask, and loving them feels impossible. Maybe you’re just renting a house, and you keep thinking that when you buy a home someday, when you finally plant roots, then you’ll get to know your neighbors. Maybe it doesn’t feel like this season really counts for much. Or maybe, like me, you’ve lived in the same place for a long time and the most interaction you’ve had with your neighbors is a wave when you see each other or a brief conversation. You feel like too much time has passed. You’re convinced it would be weird to initiate a friendship now.

Speaking from experience, I’ll be the first to encourage you that it’s not too late. And speaking as someone who took way too long to start getting to know my neighbors, what’s actually weird is living right next to people and not knowing one another at all. If God heard my prayer four years ago for the right house, at the right time, then this is the street. These are the people. We’re a quirky bunch, but we’re neighbors. I think people want to know their neighbors but aren’t sure where to start. Let’s be the kind of Jesus followers who initiate. The kind who throw the party. The kind who gather the people. The kind who care for those around us. Our simple kindness might go further than we think.

I live in Oregon with my sweet family. My husband and I have been married for six years and we have two babies, Norah (age 2.5) and Jack (9 months). I am a stay-at-home mom, and my husband is a pastor of high school students and young adults at our church. I’m a year-round iced coffee drinker, I love interior design and redecorating my home, and have recently become totally obsessed with the Enneagram!

Poached Salmon with Lemon & Dill Sauce

September 5, 2018

This recipe transitions perfectly from summer to fall and gives all you Pacific Northwesterners something new to do with the salmon you have stocked up in the freezer! It’s quick and easy enough to enjoy on a busy school/work night (my family LOVES this for dinner), but is also a fail-proof and simple menu for company. I like to dress ours up with some fresh lemon slices and serve it with baked rice (bonus recipe below) and grilled asparagus.

Lemon & Dill Sauce
3 Tbsps low-fat mayonnaise
1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill, or 1 tsp dry dill
1 Tbsp skim milk
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp grated lemon rind.

1 Tbsp capers (optional)
2 tsp juice from capers (optional)

Salmon
1 lb Salmon fillet
3 cups water
1 lemon, thinly sliced

Remove any small bones from the salmon and cut it into 4 pieces. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a large skillet. Add lemon slices. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add salmon and heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 8-10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with fork.

Cover the salmon pieces with a generous dollop of sauce (or two) and enjoy!

Make it a meal and scroll down for the Baked Rice recipe and some tips for cooking asparagus (see what I did there?).

Tosha’s Baked Rice

1 1/2 c. rice
3 cups chicken stock
1/3 c. butter (I use less)
lots of garlic salt OR galic powder and salt – should smell garlicky

Stir together in a covered casserole dish and bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Asparagus
Rinse and break of hard tips
Saute in butter/pepper/sea salt/garlic until just tender.

Anger

September 3, 2018

“But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;

the Lord hears when I call to him.

Be angry and do not sin;

ponder in your own hearts and on your beds and be silent.

Offer right sacrifices,

and put your trust in the Lord.”

Psalm 4:3-5 ESV

Anger is a part of life. It is an emotion we feel. It is also an emotion God feels. We are often taught and told that anger is wrong. Anger itself is not wrong or sinful. It is what we do with our anger. Anger has the power to create immense hurt, brokenness, chaos and foolishness. It also has the potential to stir in our hearts a passion to move in a way that brings justice – to right wrongs, to act and speak for those who are powerless to do so on their own.

God’s Word says,

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” Ephesians 4:26

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger” James 1:19

“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools” Ecclesiastes 7:9

“Good sense makes on slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11

“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:32

Is it ok to be angry? Absolutely.

Is it best to speak, stand and act in that anger? Even if it is for a just cause… I say… no.

Not in the heat of the moment.

When we respond out of anger our feelings and emotions often have the reigns to our words and actions. Our intentions may be perfectly good and right, but what matters equally as much as our intentions is our ability to gracefully, bravely, competently, and articulately communicate our passion, stance and point.

What if you are sinned against? What if someone wrongs you, misperceives you, intentionally hurts you or others… and you have every right to be angry and offended? By our cultures standards you have every right and entitlement to speak, to stand, to fight back… to be angry.

Friends! This blew my mind when I came across it the other day. It is perfect instruction and absolute wisdom. Psalm 4 is a precise and simple guide for how to respond when we feel angry.

“1. Be angry and do not sin;

2. ponder in your own hearts on your beds,

3. and be silent.”

4. offer right sacrifices

5. AND PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD.”

Then the Lord Responds

He will show you His goodness. He will lift the light of His face upon you v.6
He will put joy in your heart v.7
“In peace you will both lie down and sleep; for you alone O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” v.8

This is how we should respond to anger. He is just and trustworthy. After we have spent time pondering, silent, desiring to do what is right (even if it costs us)… Then, in the days that follow if the Holy Spirit prompts you to speak up for those who have no voice, or stand up against something unjust, or move to action to defend a person or a cause – You are able to do it out of righteous conviction and calling (as opposed to emotional passion and untrustworthy perceptions and feelings), trusting that in the end the all things on this earth are the Lord’s to preside over, to judge, to make right. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengence is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19

He is the one who moves. Do you trust that He is just? Do you trust and believe that He will fight for you to make things right?

Sometimes He moves through us, other times it is in His own timing and way – far beyond our comprehension.

For us to discern our part in the process takes self discipline of our emotions and thoughts. It also takes quality face time before the Lord – time spent literally on our faces bowed down in reverence and in prayer asking for wisdom, truth and that we would hear the Holy Spirit louder than our pride, our fear and any other voices.

The beautiful, unwavering truth about God is that He always answers. Prayer is often the process that aligns our hearts, minds and purpose with His sovereign and perfect plan. His desire is to lavish wisdom on His children. Ask for it and wait for Him. That requires the practice of praying and then pausing to also listen. That’s when the Spirit of God has whispered things like the following to me when I am processing anger, hurt or offense:

“Be still, I will fight for you.”

“Lavish love beyond your capacity, you can do it because my Spirit lives in you and I am faithful. Trust me.”

“True grace bends down and scoops up the undeserving with love that overlooks offense. (Thank you Jesus for your example of this!!!)”

“Pray for her.”

“Leave it here, this burden is not for you to carry.”

“Wait for me.”

“Create space for healthy boundaries”

“Rachel, for the love, get yourself out of the way and trust me with this.”

“Move to action”

“Speak now – be brave, my Spirit will give you the words you need.”

“Do what is right. Not what is easy.”

“Forgive. Forgive. Forgive.”

How have you seen Him move on your behalf?

Have you experienced His justice?

Are you wrestling with God? Waiting for Him to answer you?

Is there some way that we can gather around you and pray for you as you process anger, hurt, injustice or offense?

Let us know. WE will pray – and believe on your behalf, that you will see His goodness and that He will lift the light of His face upon you (Psalm 4:6).

On this journey of being human right alongside you,

Rachel Anne

Podcast 006 – “Rose’s Story” – Part Three

August 27, 2018

Here it is! The final episode of Rose’s Story! If you haven’t had a chance to listen to Part One and Part Two, yet, you can find them here on our website or on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/arise-ministries-collective/id1361410191?mt=2).

As we all have the great honor of listening to Rose’s brave and captivating journey, it is our prayer that her experience will grow and bolster our faith and help us trust God in a deep and tangible way.

Have a kleenex handy, settle in and listen as Rose finishes her testimony of the many ways God has held her tightly from tragedy in the Philippines to victory in Christ today.

About Rose Speer: Rose lives in Vancouver, WA with her husband, David (both are graduates of George Fox University), and two children, Coraleigh (14) and Malkiah (10). She is a wedding planner and party enthusiast who loves to bake, decorate cakes, host a crowd, garden, hike and watch her kids play sports.

She is passionate about helping others grow and strengthen their faith, and loves the Lord with all her heart, mind and soul. It’s not surprising that Rose’s life verse is Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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Mac & Cheese

August 22, 2018

Hey all!!!

I am here today to share one of my families all time favorite recipes with you! This Mac & Cheese is one that has stayed on our weekly meal schedule for years! It not only makes enough to feed a small village, we love it for leftovers and lunches throughout the week. (I would cut the receipt in half if your feeding less then 10 people.)

2 Zuchinis, 1 1/2 Sweet onion, 1 Head of cauliflour, 2 cloves of minced garlic, chopped and sautéed together (until tender but not mushy) in butter with salt and pepper.

Boil 24 ounces (two bags) of egg noodles until directed time, make sure you don’t overcook the noodles, strain and put back in pot. Add the following to the hot and cooked noodles:

2 pints ounces of cottage cheese

1 pint ounces of sour cream

8 ounces of cream cheese

1 1/2 cup shredded mozerella

3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Add salt, pepper (I like it peppery) and red pepper flakes to taste

Mix everything together and put in two 9×13 pans

sprinkle with mozeralla cheese and garlic salt

Cook uncovered at 350 for 20 minutes.

There are many variations of this that we enjoy, sometimes we add bacon, or sausage, or ham. Other times we top it with bread crumbs and jalapeños. You can also top it with fresh basil or cilantro! That’s one of things I love about this recipe, you can be creative and mix it up!

I would love to hear how you get creative with this recipe!

Love from my family’s table to yours,

Rachel

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