Take moments to spare...

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
Prov 31:10-12

Today marks a day four years ago Rachael passed away. I didn't know Raul and I didn't know her. Although, I was lucky to meet Raul about a year later and over the past few years I've come to know some pretty awesome things about her. To sum up it in a acro-short version...

R* Really great cook
A* Always leaning on God
C* Cheeky (sassy, that is...and Im not quite sure what Raul meant, but I know he thinks I take after her in this one)
H* Hottness
A* Allowed God to let things to happen for a reason
E* Ever forgiving--that on the level of Jesus! (Im serious.)
L* Lover of people, especially children -there isn't many pictures of her without a child, she was usually holding her nephews.

As I was reading today and asking God to lead me as I write this...I came across some awesome verses! Recently God has been showing me that I, his child, need to be living life in the spirit (not living selfishly, but allowing God to live in and through me). I struggle with this because I like to be in control. When I think of a selfless life, its easy to think of Rachael. Despite health issues and things she could have been angry at God for, she wasn't. In 1 Peter 4:19, the GWV states it, "Those who suffer because that is God's will for them, must entrust themselves to a faithful creator and continue to do what is good." Those of you who know Rachael, know the trying obstacles placed in her life. Even though I didn't know her personally, I have gained hope, perseverance, and strength through her story. I believe God does let things happen in our lives, things that seem unfair and things we don't deserve, but I also believe he gives them to specific people He knows are strong enough to handle them, people who will give back to Him everything He gave to them. Rachael understood this, entrusted herself to Him and lived a good life beyond the circumstances worthy to wreck a life. I look up to her, and I feel honored when I do something, and Raul comments that I'm just like her.
"And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God." (Romans 8:1) She lived on earth and lives in heaven a life in the spirit, out of her control, knowing God has her in His hands for a purpose, many purposes. I've learned from her to cherish every moment of every breath that God lets me have. My one of my fav scriptures to live by is 1 Peter 5:7... Live carefree, because God cares for you. Sometimes I forget and God reminds me of what I have and what He's given me.

It's crazy confusing sometimes, life and death, but Im so thankful I got to know her through Raul, very thankful for Raul, thankful for our son, Julian. And I know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.

And I believe for Rachael, God knew his people in advance and chose them to become like His Son...and having chosen them, He called them to come to Him, and having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory.

And for everyone...I am convinced that nothing can separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries for tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.