Some of my favorite things in no particular order: books that expand my mind and faith, Starbucks coffee frappachinos, Dove dark chocolate, worship music that ushers me to God's throne room, music that makes me walk faster on my treadmill, girlfriends' nights out, wide open spaces, getting a pedicure, history when its told well, vacationing with my family, the smell of puppy's breath, a day with nothing pressing to do but sit at the beach with a book, fresh fruit, bubble baths, curling up at night to watch a movie with my family, scented soy candles, napping, mopping my kitchen floor, and finding the perfect accessory, on sale of course.
I'm Southern at heart. Born and bred in the valleys of Virgina, I now live with my husband and two children on the North Carolina coast. The fresh salt air, the sound of the waves, and the sun sparkling off the water does my soul good. It seems easier to connect with God's heart and reorder my priorities when gazing into the blue-green sea.
I have a master's degree in communication, from Regent University, and teach part-time at our local university, where my husband is my boss. He's the chair of the communication studies department. I'm thankful Rick and I share many of the same passions and professions. It helps us understand each other's lives outside the walls of our home. And I simply could not do what I do when I travel and speak without his support, guidance and willingness to help with the kids (and laundry). We've been married about 15 years and have 2 sweet children under the age of 12.
In addition to teaching, I work with Proverbs 31 Ministries as a writer, editor and speaker. Words and wrting are a passion of mine. My latest writing venture is writing Chrisitan books for women. I'm a word-nerd at heart who has fallen in love with the Word Made Flesh.
So glad you've found my blog!
Blessings ~ Rachel
Hi Rachel i enjoyed redaing your biography. a friend sent me a devotion from proverbs 31 minitries a short time ago and i now receive them daily. i gain so much from them and have also purchased books from some of the people in the ministry which have also been a great help to me in my walk with God. God Bless. jayne McClenaghan from n.Ireland
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to know that Christian women from all over the world struggle to spend time with God. Even if part of His ministry, this doesn't come by .... chance.... you have to be determined to do it. Dorina from Romania
ReplyDeletehi rachel, i realy enjoy reading your devotionals on prvb31. the first time i read through your devotionals ever since i've been addicted. thank you for your write up it lift me up and speaks my thought most times. may GOD continue to shine his face upon you and your family. In Jesus name name. incidentally am rachel too.
ReplyDeleteregards.
rachel
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI have been receiving the Proverbs 31 devotionals for a few years now and have really enjoyed getting them everyday! They have been a real encouragement to me and have helped my spiritual growth.
God bless you and the rest of the team.
Kirsty from New Zealand : )
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI got so blessed in reading your biography. It is so encouraging and inspiring.
May God inspire you even more as you encourage women globaly.
lots of love
Maria
Praise the Lord Rachel!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing that we enjoy many of the same things. I'll add to your list that I love to journal and sing worship unto the LORD. Keep living as a bright light sharing CHRIST with the world!
I found yor blog just whne I needed he most. I have been trying to start my bile study for a while and always seemed to get distracted...not any more. Thanks. you are in my favorite blogs now. Julian
ReplyDeletehi Rachael,thankyou for your daily devotions,your encouraging,inspiring and very real words,it can also be very funny,which is part of being real...even God as a sense of humour.Godbless you,your family and your ministry always .Love in Jesus ,Tracey <><
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel, I really enjoyed reading the comments on your blog, I just happened to bump into your website by way of "KKLA encouragement For Today" and I am so happy I did. It's very uplifting to see that I am not the only one struggling with my devotional time. I need all the help and encouragement I can get to make time for God daily before I get my day started.
ReplyDeleteRachel- I really enjoy your biography, I see you enjoy your coffee, I do to. I Love Jesus he is always there when i need him, and i know i need to spend more time with God. I have 3 kids under 6, i been married 9 years almost 10 years, April 11th. Im looking forward hearing more from you.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI loved read your biography it is so open and honest before God.
That the way I want to be.
Please pray for my husband that he will gete closer to the Lord.
We go to church all the time, but he won't read his Bible.
He yells at me all the time and tells me I don't have a brain and where did I get my brain.
I want to submit to him, but it is hard.
Looking up,
Debbie(sugarbear)
This is just what I've been praying for. So glad to be on board! Just finished my first devotional reading and feel great.
ReplyDeleteThis is just what I've been praying for. I've just finished the first devotional reading and I feel great to be a part of this group!
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel just wante to say that i am very happy to join its been quite a while i have been meaning to start. Now that i have found this medium its the most appropriate. It's all happening in God's timing for my life.
ReplyDeleteChristel from Trinidad
God brought me here when he knew I needed HIM most. With 4 children, ages 11, 8, 3, & 18 months I barely have any time to myself--- let alone to sit down and read God's word. Our family has had many struggles the past few years, and no matter how much I love my husband and children I can get easily frustrated and overwhelmed. I like to be in control(what woman doesn't!)but God continues to bring things into my life that I have no control over, so that I have to learn to let God----, and I'm learning that he does it, ONLY because he loves me and wants me to have a closer relationship with HIM! Thank you God. Rachel---thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to help us busy moms to get in God's word.
ReplyDeleteI believe Sarah finally realized whatever God promised He will do! That's so awesome........
ReplyDeleteHow many of us have been exactly where Sarah has been?
ReplyDeleteRead it and came away thinking each time I have some stinkin thinkin going on, now I'LL think of Sarah......We have to remain faithful...
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your biography and I felt a kindred spirit when you mentioned that one of your favorite things was Starbuck's coffee frappuccinos. Going to Starbuck's or Barnes&Noble once a week is a real treat for me. Been doing this for several years.
ReplyDeletemmmm... dove dark chocolate, pedicures and scented soy candles...3 of my favorite things! And like you with writing, I've turned one of my loves into my job!(I have a hand poured soy candles biz!)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations - I think you're solidly meeting your goal of reaching women and drawing them into the heart of God! Blessings!
Hi Rachel. I am a mother of 3 girls, ages 4, 3, and 4 months. I have been happily married to my wonderful husband for 7 years. I live in central, IL. My husband decided one day he would subscribe to P31 ministries for me. I am so glad he did. I have finally been able to find time out of my busy day to spend time with God and read His Word. I am so glad that I decided to take the challege and read along with you about the women of the Bible. I have recieved so many blessings from what I have read so far. I'm looking forward to reading and learning alot more of God's Word.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless!!!
Andrea
Hi Rachel, I am doing the study on the internet which is so awesome. Today's comments from one woman's discretion I believe has brought healing and all of us closer together.
ReplyDeleteI decided to read your Bio. We have something in common. You went to Regent University, so did my oldest daughter who will be 45 in July. She has never married but has wanted to. The right person has not come along. She worked for the Family Channel part-time while getting her master's in marketing and communications. The day she graduated they hired her fulltime. When Fox bought the Family Channel they asked her to stay with them which meant going to NY. She stayed with them a while and then worked 4 months for Redbook as Director of Marketing. Tim Robertson called her back to work with him in an internet company. When that was sold she was hired at Regent as their Director of Marketing for the entire University. Each school had it's own marketing person at that point. Later they asked her to take on Public Relations and she became an Assistant Vice President in charge of Marketing and Public Relations. Last Friday Pat Robertson gave her a promotion to Vice President and now answers to him. I'm not proud of my daughter, can't you tell? God has been so good to her. I hope you don't mind my sharing this with you. AliceE.
ALiceE - how neat! I was there during the years of the Family Channel sale. While going to school, I worked full-time for Regent's Development department and worked closely with Marketing. My office was even in marketing for awhile. So maybe I've met your daughter - at the very least we know lots of the same people.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like a talented woman! You should be proud.
Rachel, Thanks for your reply.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter's name is Sherri Stocks (if that rings a bell). I've told her about you. She has worked at Regent about 3 to 4 years. If you get the magazine "Christian Leader" that is sent out in the spring, that was one of her first projects. I think they usually sent out a newsletter. If you were in Development you probably know Maureen McDonnell as well. We haven't met her yet but have corresponded with her. She is expecting her fist baby soon.
We are very proud of Sherri and her accomplishments.
Hi Rachel. I am 26 years old, a mother of 2 wonderful children ages 4 and 6 and married to the most wonderful man. I began my walk with the Lord in October 1, 2006. I serve in my church, atten services, but feel I am not where I should be with God. I have visited your website several times. I keep on saying " I am going to start the Bible Study" and well I ,'ve been putting it off. This morning I felt so much conviction from the Lord. I don't spend enough time with Him, learning and seeking His word. I feel tired and drained and I know this is because I am not giving my Father all that He deserves. It is such a struggle for me to get up in the morning, my flesh wants to stay in bed. I am blessed just to breathe. He has given me new life, but sometimes I feel stuck. Please if you have any suggestions kindly share them with me and thanks for this amazing blog.
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord continue to bless you.
Maria
Hi Rachel. I'm looking forward to your speaking at our church's Women's Retreat next weekend. I have two daughters probably close to your age and eight grandchildren. I'll be bringing my two sisters with me! We are desiring a special time with each other and the Lord next weekend. We thank God for sending you as our speaker. I'll be praying for you. God bless your preparations. Valerie
ReplyDeleteDo you know how many p31 speakers are from Va?I am from Va too.
ReplyDeleteI love the p31 magazine its neat that you were on the cover too.
Your devotions are wonderful.Thank you so much for sharing.
I have a question though,when speakers go to places and they put in the p31 magazine of upcoming speakers
Its not that easy to go because
those churches if you don't go to them aren't very welcoming.
That happened to me recently
I got a p31 in mail for upcoming September events then I got all excited,then I wrote the church a email and they said its for the ladies of our church.I said well thats not fair then why is it in p31 magazine?Then the lady at the church wrote back because I said they might be an opening.Then she said she isn't affiliated with p31 and just wanted the speaker to speak and shes sorry the magazine came before the deadline for her members of her church were over.
So I wrote back and said but your church is near me and that just isn't fair.So she wrote back and said amount of money to pay and I said well like I said I'd have to budget I have rent this week and it just short notice isn't there anyone to extend it?She said no.
I never been to one before and it just hurt my feelings.
So I thought I'd let you know.
I wonder if the speakers even know that this goes on to folks like me
I am sure I am not the first one.
But I know god will lead me to another one.
ReplyDeleteI looked online p31 and in 2009 there is some speakers coming to Virginia.Which is wonderful,ptl,hopefully I can go to one of them.
I just wanted to share with you my experience since you are speaker of what happened to me in case you didn't know that happens to folks.
I look forward to reading more of your blogs.They are wonderful and you truly are blessed.
Michelle
hello Rachel,I am from the caribbean Grenada.I recently subsribed to Proverbs 31 mag. & also receive daily devotions. Your ministry is blessing my life.I also feel called in the writing ministry. I'm just studying though although I'm 30 something.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you always.in Jesus 'name.......marcia...
Thank you for sharing your way with words. You blessed me today. I came to your site because of the devotional you wrote today.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog, i only found it a few hours ago and I am so addicted already.
ReplyDeleteHow can i get a proverbs 31 devotion sent to me.
Terri Grothe
St Johns, NL
Hi Terri. Welcome, so glad you found my blog!
ReplyDeleteYou can subscribe to the daily devotion by sending a blank email to devotions-subscribe@proverbs31.org.
Have a great day! ~ Rachel
ERIKA , i truly blessed by your biography and i wish we could talk face to face.
ReplyDeleteHello Rachel, I loved reading your biography, I think you are a great woman and doing a graet job for women. God richly bless you
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the word of God on proverbs 31. God is so good, it is soo unreal just how good He really is and just how much Jesus loved each and every one of us.May God Bless you and your's all year long. Kim from Va
ReplyDeleteJust read your devotions on Proverbs 31 Ministries. Just curious....what WAS your favorite kind of diet cola? I'm addicted to diet Pepsi, and at restaurants, I have half & half. Any tips of weaning myself off it? Also, would you describe your books/magazines you are reading (listed on your blog). My prayer partner & I are looking for something good to read/study. Would appreciate any suggestions.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy God's creation by the sea & blessings on your day!
Hi Rachel, I found your bio by, well here goes...the Edith Bunker route...I just started blogging. I was so frustrated and then your article on Proverbs 31 came in and I said I have to check out this lady's blog site. Then I spotted some other blogs you wrote. Man are you a good writer, so heartfelt and real...I knew you were from the South! How I WISH there was not so much land masse between us because girl, you sound like the kind of friend you just can't get enough of! I really enjoyed your bio and your love for the Lord shines through! Thank you sharing your heart through your writing. I'll pray the Lord continue to give you abundant wisdom so you can carry on! Seeing your site made me realize I need to get focused on what I believe on mine. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHey, Rachel. I have enjoyed spending some time reading through your blog. It is refreshing and encouraging to me to see how God is using this sight. I have a passion for being used of God to help encourage women through speaking and writing. I have recently started my own blog, http:katrinasellers.blogspot.com. I was wondering if you would stop by sometime and give me your thoughts on how I might make it better. Thanks for any imput since I know you are a very busy lady.
ReplyDeleteKatrina
I also live on the coast of NC- in Wilmington to be exact! I am enjoying your blog and am thankful for your heart for God, ministry, and words- and your combination of all three!
ReplyDelete