Category: Blog
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To the Single: Better to Wait
At the end of work, one of my coworkers and I were discussing dating and engagement. As it was coming to a close and we were both heading our different ways, she asked me, “So, when are you getting engaged?” I looked back at her and responded contentedly, “Until the…
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We Need One Another
While in college, my best friends lived right around the corner. I saw them practically every day, and we would go to Church together, attempt things at the gym, down pints of ice cream here and there, and laugh a lot. It was a unique blessing to be in such…
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Depths of Mordor
Years ago, there was a foreign squeeze in my chest that caught me off guard. The inability to console myself was disorienting, and tears tried to salvage what little peace remained. I thought I would never experience them. My pride blinded me, yet there I was having a panic attack.…
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Let Them Do This With Joy
There are many meals prepared over the week. Each meal takes time to gather the ingredients, read through the recipe, and assemble for yourself or serve to your family. When you provide a meal to others, you are delighted to nourish them and hope they enjoy it. Some might show…
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Lump of Sunshine
Every day, one of my students in particular greets me with either a sheet she has colored from the night before, a kind note, a drawing, or a gentle hug. She is faithful to do so and never reluctant. A soft smile beams across her face as she gives it…
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How Do You Do It?
Right before I began my reading lesson, I asked one of my students to move to another carpet square. She reluctantly moved over, got settled in, then glared at the student next to her with insincerity. She snarled her nose, sat crisscrossed, and relaxed her disgruntled countenance on her hand.…
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Simple Joys
Silence hums softly as I scan the ice-covered road. No way out, but locked in. This past weekend, parts of Texas were overtaken by a little winter storm, my home included. Plans, commitments, and expectations melt away as the sleet makes its claim. Being forced to stay home doesn’t feel…
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Make Allowance
I was walking across the parking lot of Sam’s, slightly fuming from something someone did earlier. I was allowing bitterness to creep in, and the thought “Rachel, you can’t do this” meandered its way across my heart. In that moment, a verse that had been circulating in my mind came…
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Never Learning
There is a different excitement that buzzes in the air as the kids return to class in January. Rather than welcoming new faces, you greet familiar children. Instead of shyness and awkwardness, you receive bubbly personalities that are thrilled to be back and ecstatic to share everything with you. There…
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New Year Reflection: Slower I Go
Reflecting on the previous year is something I enjoy doing. Scrolling back through the photos I captured reminds me of God’s faithfulness and steadfast love, as seen in the friendships formed, adventures pursued, and memories to cherish with loved ones. Stopping provides a time to evaluate and assess the priorities…
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Vortex of Disobedience
Some gifts during the holidays you receive with joyful hearts. They are exactly what you wanted, and you have a purpose for them. While others you receive with a quizzical brow. You might look at the present and think to yourself, “What in the world am I going to use…
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Slow Unwinding: Zephaniah 3:17
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of this season, this week of Advent focuses on God’s love. Just reading this verse caused my heart to take a deep breath and relax, and I hope it does the same for you. It only contains seven words, but each is…
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On Repeat: Top 7 Songs of 2025
Exploring and finding new music is something that I thoroughly enjoy. This year, there were a bunch of gems. As the year comes to a close, here are my top 7 songs from 2025. I tried to cap it at five, but no luck there. MY SOUL / WORSHIP INITIATIVE…
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Top 5 Books of 2025 (Giveaway)
The year is coming to a close, and here are my top five books from 2025. It is a blend of old, new, and different genres, with some of my favorite quotes from them. In addition, for the first time, I am doing a giveaway (insert bullhorn noise)! You can…
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Doldrums: Enjoy, Accept, Rejoice
She said it graciously, “You’re in the doldrums.” I hesitated because I thought she was speaking another language. Never had I ever heard that word, “Doldrums?” So I inquired, “What do you mean by doldrums?” Kindly, she shared, “Doldrums. It’s a nautical term used to describe the weather. It’s a…
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Joy in Forgiveness
While teaching the other day, one of my students from another class walked in holding a sheet of paper. The previous day, this child marked their day with misbehavior that led me to pray multiple times, “Lord, help me.” As he approached me, instead of growing resentment, excitement took its…
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ABCs of Thanks
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and for some, it is a time of enjoyment, light-heartedness, and joy as they feast and celebrate with their family and friends. For others, this season can be mingled with difficulty. The leaves change, but the hardships of life might still be ever-present and fresh.…
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Knowing & Doing
Growing up, my dad had a phrase that he repeated often: “Knowing and doing are two different things.” For instance, as a little girl, my dad would tell me, “Rachel, I need you to fold the clothes,” to which I would sometimes respond with “I know” instead of “yes, sir”.…
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Singleness & Hospitality
Do nothing from selfish ambition, or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to the interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 2:3-5 Being single does not…
Rachel Whisman 