Rescue

This was on my heart to share today. How many hurting people are there in our churches walls and we don't reach out?? Or are you one of them?? Be blessed!! You can listen to a rough recording of the following song at: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=564017&songID=4383452

Rescue Our Brother
©2006 Raina Lorentsen & Colten Krauter

Another Sunday morning
He sits in the back row
Painting a smile on that face
Hoping his heart won't show
His trials leave him empty
No one will ever know

Beneath it all
He wants to make it right
Give it up to God
And leave his double life

Do we see struggles
In the battle for his soul
One of pain and tears
We need to step out
And live up to God’s grace
And rescue our brother

Another Sunday night
She visits with her friends
Saying she's just fine
With her smile of pretend
Leaving good impressions
While she is fighting with sin

Beneath it all
She wants to make it right
Give it up to God
And leave her double life

Do we see struggles
In the battle for her soul
One of pain and tears
We need to step out
And live up to God’s grace
And rescue our sister

Oh we know that He's not that far away
Breaking down while He's lifting up

Do we see struggles
In the battle for her soul
One of pain and tears
We need to step out
And live up to Gods grace
And rescue, and rescue, and rescue our sister

Do we see struggles
In the battle for her soul
One of pain and tears
We need to step out
And live up to Gods grace
And rescue our sister

(TAG)
Another Sunday morning
He sits in the back row
Showing the joy that’s in his heart…

Moving time

Jason and I are getting ready for a move at the end of the month to a bigger apartment with memories waiting to be made. As I start packing, it reminds me of stuffing boxes before we got married. Oh the anticipation and thoughts that went through my head...

"Me? Old enough to get married?" "Man oh man I have no idea what I'm getting myself into but bring it on!" "Will I be a good enough wife?" "Will I be able to make new friends?" "I am not a CA girl, but it's about time I get to be with my man, wherever it may be" Etc etc etc...

It was all such a bittersweet adventure. Not only did I get married, which is a huge change in itself, but I moved away from all I've known for so long; probably a larger treck than a lot of brides these days. However, it was all a great change. Of course it was difficult and emotional, but I wouldn't change a thing. I am happy, making memories, and living forward with my Jesus and my hubby by my side.

As we make all the preparations for our move in just a few weeks, I have thoughts running miles around my brain with excitement looking forward to what the future brings. With God, it brings greatness and I couldn't ask for more.

Our little secret

My husband, Jason, and I have ran into many a people who have asked us about our first "fight". The look on the faces of these people is priceless when we tell them there hasn't been one. We have even had someone try to convince us that fighting is a "good" thing and every relationship goes through it. I don't think so. Where is the happiness in that? Sure we have had our disagreements and misunderstandings, but nothing we remember and definitely not a full blown fight. In fact, our few misunderstandings took place while we were apart, but that only seemed natural. It's hard to read someone when you aren't with them and definitely the stress of seperation played a big role.

However, since we have been married and together 24/7, there has been nothing but love and joy. No arguements and no fights. Why? Because it's not worth it. It wastes perfectly good time that could be spent in happiness with my husband. If we have an issue, we talk it out, work it out, then forget about it. We don't keep anything from each other. Honesty and communication is key. There isn't anything I wouldn't tell Jason. He is my best friend.

Marriage can be the most rewarding and uplifting experience that can happen to oneself for the rest of your life if you let it. Jason and I have a friendship that is unconditional, accepting, and looks passed the human flaws; a relationship full of communication, I love yous, surprises, and hugs and kisses.

That my friend is 'Our little secret'. And remember, fighting is NEVER a good thing.

Family Favorite

This recipe has been a favorite of friends and family for as long as I can remember. Try it and enjoy!!

Spaghetti Pie

Spaghetti, enough for 4-5 people, (cook and drain, as directed on pkg.)
2 Tablespoon Melted butter
1 Egg
Salt, pepper, and garlic to taste
1/4 cup Grated parmesan cheese
Spaghetti sauce
Favorite pizza toppings
Mozzarella cheese

(DOUBLE ingredients for a 9x13" pan)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 or 9” square pan. Combine butter, egg, seasonings, and cheese together, blending well. Stir in spaghetti, coating it well. Put into the bottom of your pan evenly. Top this with your favorite spaghetti sauce. Then top the sauce with your favorite pizza toppings. Cover all of it with mozzarella cheese (or your favorite blend of cheeses). Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes until the cheese is melted and browned as much as you like it.

Keep on goin'

We are all born with a purpose. A purpose that takes us through twists and turns, bumps and bruises, heart smiles and heart breaks. That's just life. I for one love the journey. I've had my share of ups and downs but I wouldn't change anything about this 'roadtrip'. Every moment has led me to where I am supposed to be. I found my true self and true joy 'miles' down the road. My true joy is still being able to laugh and mean it when life beats down your door and throws everything at you. Joy that wakes you up with a smile when you feel like crying.

It's so easy to get discouraged, depressed, and broken. I get it and have felt it. However, I have also seen and felt the uplifting side. The side when you realize all that has happened along your journey had a reason. Without my experiences, I wouldn't be able to relate to those in need of encouragement, I wouldn't be as happy, and I definitely wouldn't have met my wonderful husband.

Whenever you feel like you haven't got a purpose and a meaning in this world, just keep on pushing. Push, cry, jump, dance, laugh, scream... Whatever you need to do to get you to your 'destination' (that doesn't involve bodily harm to yourself or anyone else), DO IT!! Take each moment, good or not, and run with it. You never know where it will lead you and what it will make you.

Some call it fate, I call it purpose. Keep on goin'!!

My Rant

I was flipping through channels the other day, just looking for something to watch, and I stumble across a talk show. On this talk show was a woman selling her virginity to the highest bidder, and yes you heard that right. The highest bidder so far is willing to pay $3.5 million (Note: All these men are strangers)! According to her, she is talking and getting to know these men to find out who she is most comfortable with, and it might not even be the highest bidder she chooses. She's not dating them or even spending time with them. She's basing her decision on pure facts.

She carries the most wonderful thing anyone could carry and she is willing to just give it away to a stranger for what? Money?!? Even the very worldly host asked her, "Don't you want to make it special and with a person you fall in love with? Wouldn't you consider changing your mind?" It's just really sad. She is a beautiful, smart woman but yet, she doesn't see herself as worth far more than what she is bringing herself down to. I care about her, I don't judge her, and I respect her decision but I sure do ache for her and pray for her.

The part that is so despicable is, you put her on the street doing the exact same thing, it's illegal. Put her in a "Bunny Ranch" (where she has chosen to do her act), it's perfectly legal. Utterly ridiculous!

My dear young girls: You are worth far more than money. By waiting to have sex with a special someone and not giving yourself away, the reward is by far greater than any material a man has to offer you. Love yourself, save yourself, and believe in yourself...that you are beautiful and worth waiting for.

Meaning of a Mother

In honor of all you mom's on Mother's Day. Much love to my mommys :)

M - Multitasker

O - Overcomes

T - Tender-hearted

H - Heroic

E - Embracer

R - Real

(c)2010 Raina Lorentsen

Definition of Home

We've heard the phrase "Home is where the heart is." But have we really thought about it? I was today. What if your heart is in multiple places? Does that make all those places "home"?

Being recently married and relocated, I consider my home with my husband. But at the same time, it's hard to just abandon what I knew for so many years. That was my life, that was home. That's where memories and friendships were made. So I carry them with me. Yes part of my heart is still in WA and yes part of me is still there, but I don't think I consider it "home" anymore. Only when I came back to visit, did this come to my realization. The reality has proven to be very difficult, however, I feel a sense of peace.

When I first moved, I struggled to adjust and was so lonely when it came to finding friends. And if you know me, you know that's not the type of person I am. I enjoy the company of others and being with them. So being in a new place where I knew hardly anyone was rough.

Now having been back with friends/family in WA, I know where I belong. I love everyone back in WA dearly but I'm at a different place in my life. Those relationships and memories don't change but I have.

"Home is with your other half. Be it your spouse, family, friends, or Jesus." Home is not always where your heart is. Part of my heart will always be with those in WA, but home will definitely always be with my husband, and I'm not talking about the location.

Quotes by me

"Before you try giving advice about the shoes I walk in, spend a day in them first."

"You can choose the way you want to live, but when you cannot choose the circumstance, you can choose how you let it affect your attitude."

"Day by day
I walk with a twinkle in my eye
Knowing the reason behind my smile
Is the thought of you."

"I see but a mere canvas,
Painted for me by someone, not I.
A life stroked with narrow lines and a fine-tipped brush,
Creating a masterpiece of black overrun by white.
Artistery perfect only to the painter's eye."

"I'm going to live like I do when I leave this world...above it"

"Aim for perfection. The goal may seem impossible but you're still giving it your best shot"

"No doubties. No worries. It's ALL good!"

"Walk through the door God opens; Wait with anticipation behind the one He closes"

"The past has passed, the present is today, and the future? It's just beginning"

"God uses us in different ways for the same glory...His!"

(c)2010 Raina Lorentsen

Southern Chicken and Dumplings

This is TASTY! Definitely warm and soothing on a chilly day too. Try it, you'll like it :)

1 small chicken (I use 1 pound cut up breast meat)
Water
Salt

Put chicken in water. Add salt to taste. Boil chicken until tender. Pull chicken from the bones and shred into bite-size pieces. Return to the cooking water. (Before you start to add the dumplings, you will need to return the water to a good boil.)

2 c. flour
3 T. butter shortening (I used our soft margarine)
½ c. buttermilk (I use ½ c. milk and ½ T. vinegar----stir together ahead of time and let sit on counter for about 10-15 minutes)
1 egg
Salt, pepper

Cut butter shortening into flour. Make a well in the middle of the flour, and add egg and buttermilk. Stir together into a dough. Put onto floured board, knead one or two times, and divide dough in half. Roll out half of dough into a thin sheet. Cut it into small squares –about inch by inch---or so. Make sure broth is boiling, and then slip the dough squares into the broth one at a time. Roll out rest of dough and cut and drop into broth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Allow the dumplings to simmer gently until tender and they thicken and make the broth creamy ---can be as long as an hour if you wish.

2 people, 2 states, 1 love

In 2006, a friend of mine asked me to start listening to this online radio station called The Right Place and see if I can get music I had written played on there. I said sure I'll check it out, why not? So I started listening and having a great time. They have a live show with 4 djs and a chat room every Friday night and I would talk to them and joke around...it was fun!
January 2007 I started talking to Jason (one of the DJs) about music and the show and asked about my music. We would talk at first just on Friday nights then email/messenger about random everyday things then more in depth about life. At the time, I was in a bad relationship and going through a lot. He became the only friend I had to talk to (via online) and who understood and listened. I eventually ended the relationship with the other person when I came to my senses.
Jason and I started talking on the phone in June 2007. He then told me he liked me a month later....but agreed to meet first before anything went further. Finally, after talking for 8 months, we saw each other for the first time on September 18, 2007 and became a couple on September 22 (part of the reason our wedding was around the same time 2 years later :) ).
Life has been the best it has ever been! God is AMAZING! He took a hard time in my life and helped me get through it with my future husband, my best friend. I didn't ask for it, I wasn't even looking, and yet He knew just what I needed and put it right there in front of me for His glory. Can I get an amen?? Whew!!!

Beautiful Girl

To the girl who stares in the mirror with negativity

...(you are beautiful)...

To the girl who cuts her wrists

...(you are special)...

To the girl who starves herself; to the one who binges

...(you are the perfect size)...

To the girl who is alone

...(you have a friend)...

To the girl who has had her heart broken

...(you are loved)...

To the girl who feels lost

...(you have been found)...

To the girl who has been put down

...(you have been lifted up)...

And to every single girl who exists on this blessed world, you have a reason, a purpose, and a destiny. Take it on, embrace it, and make a difference. You are BEAUTIFUL! Let it SHINE! <3 <3 <3 <3

(c)2009 Raina Lorentsen

Beautiful Girl
(c)2006 Raina Lorentsen
V1
Gazing in the mirror
She questions herself again
"Will I ever be small enough...
The right size to fit in?"

V2
Tears flow onto her pillow
She cries out in the dark
Running away from herself
Fading into her broken heart.

Beautiful girl
With a beauty much deeper than skin
Beautiful girl
Don't be afraid to let go
To let loose of what you hide within
Beautiful girl

V3
Wanting so to feel whole
Can't relieve her discust
Another day lost, so lost
So she runs, just runs, she just runs

Beautiful girl
With a beauty much deeper than skin
Beautiful girl
Don't be afraid to let go
To let loose of what you hide within
Beautiful girl

Br
God does not see thick or thin
Just your heart
Just your soul
Beautiful girl

Beautiful girl
Jesus looks deeper than your skin
Beautiful girl
Don't be afraid to let go
To give Jesus what you hide within
Beautiful girl