A Steady Rain

Beautiful You ~ Eye Shadow Tips.....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

While I'm enjoying our exploration of inner beauty in our Beautiful YOU series, I'm also excited to include some practical beauty tips and products!! We'll be able to develop both types of beauty at the same time!!

Ever wondered how to get a simple yet glamourous look for your eyes without too much effort. Watch this quick tutorial video for some great tips that you can use right away! (Then make sure to plan a romantic date, so your husband or boyfriend can enjoy your beautiful eyes!)

Don't forget about the GRAND OPENING sale going on for only 12 more days at my website! Find all the details HERE!

Wondering what the Beautiful YOU series is all about? Catch up HERE!

Have a beautiful day!

Multitude Monday....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

#241 God's obvious protection when I was sliding on black ice!

#242 A job I LOVE!

#243 First baby talk

#244 Unexpected housing provision

#245 Nothing but YOUR blood

#246 3 months!

#247 A God who holds my family's future

#248 Just-One Virtual Conference

#249 Sweet connections with old friends

#250 April weather in January!

Beautiful You ~ Grace.....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

"Beauty without grace is the hook without the bait." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Grace. As Christians we hear preaching about it, read books about it, and strive to understand it. How can an almighty, holy, and unchangeable God pour out such undeserved favor in our lives? We did nothing to deserve His grace and we can do nothing to keep it! What an amazing thought.

However, this post isn't about God's grace toward us, but rather the grace that we show to others. In order to develop true inner beauty in our lives as women we must learn how to share a graceful spirit (imitating God's grace) in our interactions. We as women, especially, tend to be hard on ourselves and in turn hard on those around us. We often expect perfection from our husbands, children, and friends. When someone fails to meet our expectations, we either lash out or condemn them in our mind.

1. Grace should be one-sided. We can't expect to be effective if we are always expecting grace from others in return. We'll be sorely disappointed! God knew that we would never be able to offer anything in return, yet he showed us immense favor anyway!

2. Grace has no ending date. It is extremely patient. Think of how long God has waited for some of his children to partake of his grace.

3. Grace should be freely given. Others should receive our grace simply because we are striving to develop that characteristic in our life, not because they've done anything to deserve it. If we wait for them to act perfectly, they will never receive our grace!

Friends, I have seen friendships torn apart because of unresolved anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness. It breaks my heart to see the lack of grace among sisters in Christ.

When we stop to grasp what Christ has done for us and the amazing grace freely poured out on our lives, we'll more easily share grace with those around us.

Your turn (answer these questions in the comments section):

*Do you struggle in giving grace to those around you?

*What tips do you have for those who want to develop a spirit of grace in their lives?

Lord, Thank you for the grace that you've so freely given us as your children. We don't deserve your favor, yet you willingly give it to us! Help us as women to learn to live with a spirit of grace as we deal with our family and friends. We want to be truly beautiful inside!

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. -Ephesians 4:32

Outer Beauty:

Don't forget the one-time Grand Opening Sale currently going on at my personal website: www.marykay.com/rachelpereira. Write GRANDOPENING in the comments section to receive 40% off EVERYTHING on the site!

Multitude Monday......

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:48:00 +0000

#231 First baby giggles
#232 Safety on snowy, icy roads
#233 Lessons from the Thorn
#234 Still learning to wait on Him
#235 Supportive friends
#236 Full night's sleep
#237 New tires
#238 Chick-fil-a playgrounds
#239 Melt my heart

#240 Sweet superheroes

Beautiful You!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Beautiful You a new weekly feature here at A Steady Rain. I'm so excited to learn from one another about true beauty both inside and out!

We all want to be perceived as beautiful. I have never met a woman who desires to be ugly or unattractive. In fact, millions of dollars are spent on commercials and advertisements for products that can increase our beauty! In fact, my new business is based on the fact that women want to be beautiful!

I obviously love skin care and beauty. And I love sharing it with other women! It's fun to feel beautiful and confident. It seems that we have gotten it a little backwards, however.

We search for the right shade of lip liner, when in reality we ought to be lining our hearts with gentleness.

We concentrate on the bags and dark circles under our eyes, when we ought to be developing an others focus.

We use a foundation on our face to hide the fact that things may not be as smooth in our personal lives.

That's why I chose 1Peter 3:4 as the key verse for my Beautiful You posts.

"Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."

Here's what you can expect on Thursdays:

*We'll explore some of the characteristics of inner beauty we should be developing in our lives such as gentleness, meekness, love, unselfishness, joy, etc.

*I'll share some of my favorite Mary Kay products in a feature item of the week.

*Shop my website, www.marykay.com/rachelpereira and use the code ASTEADYRAIN in the comments section (next to payment method) to receive 20% off the feature item of the week!

*Occasional link-ups where you can share how you are increasing your beauty both inside and out!

I can't start a new series without a fun gift for you!!

I'm currently hosting a HUGE grand opening sale at my website and you, my wonderful readers, are invited! Click here to RSVP to the Facebook event, read all the details and get 40% off of everything on my website!!

Feel free to like my new Facebook page here as well!!

I want this new series to be beneficial and interactive for us! Spread the word to your friends and readers! I'm excited to grow in beauty with you!!

Need a new read?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

My sweet friend from college, Danielle, recently started a blog, Thinking Out Loud. I'd LOVE for you to meet her and her beautiful family! I've been blessed already with her words!! Tell her I sent you!

Need some other blog suggestions? Check out my Blogs I Love page here.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Multitude Monday....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

The blessings are endless! Thank you for the opportunity to record them here! He is good!

#211 Sunny January days (so rare and cherished)
#212 A healthy 13 pound baby boy
#213 Learning to wait on His timing
#214 Just enough energy to complete each day's tasks
#215 Learning that He created me to be unique and special
#216 Fresh ideas
#217 Keurig coffee - yum!
#218 An understanding best friend
#219 The chance to help provide for my family and have fun at the same time
#220 My spiritual birthday
#221 Thank you for the cross, Lord
#222 Bedtime routines
#223 Renewed purpose
#224 Watching my son understand right and wrong
#225 Lord, I want to know you more!
#226 Tiny socks and tiny toes
#227 A new year's routine
#228 Specific answers to prayer
#229 Young couple excited to serve Him in Spain
#230 A hand-me-down winter coat

Take a peek!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:33:00 +0000

I know many of you read blogs via reader and e-mail, but I'd love for you to check out the new, updated look here at A Steady Rain! I just love what Mary did with it. I feel so calm when I see it! :)

Thanks for clicking over! Feel free to grab a new button for your site as well!!

New year, fun updates.....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

So how has your 2012 been so far? I can't believe how much has been packed into just the short couple weeks we've had in January. Rather than writing 3-5 posts about it all, I figured I'd update you bullet-point style!

*Our little peanut is growing fast! At his 2 month appointment (which was technically around 21/2 months) he weighed 13 lbs. 13oz. and was 24 inches long! He falls in the 95% percentile for both height and weight. Praise God for a healthy little boy!

*My boys are getting along wonderfully! I just love to watch Buddy (nickname for my oldest son) talk to his little brother in a loving, protective way. It's also adorable to see Beaker (named for his wild puppet-like baby hair!) grinning in admiration at his big brother.

*My wonderful blog designer, Mary, is helping me update the look of my online home for the new year. I tried to do a little myself, but realized I just don't know enough. I can't wait for you to see it! By the way, need a new look for your site? Check out Mary's portfolio!

*One of the most exciting things to happen in 2012 so far is the opportunity for me to relaunch my business as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. I'm excited to explore running my business primarily online which I LOVE. I'm hoping to even try some virtual parties via Skype!

I'm thrilled to be able to share beauty with other women while helping to provide for the needs of our family at the same time.

I'd LOVE for you to "like" my new consultant FB page HERE to keep up with all the latest specials and discounts and check out the amazing Mary Kay products at my website:

www.marykay.com/rachelpereira

*I'm also looking forward to starting a new feature here at the blog each Thursday entitled, Beautiful You!

We'll explore some of the characteristics of inner beauty and how we can develop those in our lives as women. I'll also feature some of my favorite Mary Kay products (with some special deals just for A Steady Rain readers), simple beauty tips, and occasional link-ups.

~~~~~~

I think that's it for now! How are YOU doing? I'd love to know what's new in YOUR life!

New Year Thoughts....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Source: brentfosterphotography.com via Jeanne on Pinterest

I honestly can't believe that we are at the beginning of a new, fresh year! 2011 seemed to fly by especially with the sweet (adorable) addition to our family.
Most areas of my life have been a blur during the last few months including my walk with the Lord, ministry, fellowship, and definitely this online space. I'm looking forward to slowly regaining my focus as 2012 progresses.

"That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death..." Philippians 3:10

KNOW ~ my word for 2012

I don't want to be complacent in my relationship with Christ. I want to have a renewed love and passion for Him, for my family, and for my church.
I want to know Jesus in a deeper way this year, and I'm excited to start the journey of unwrapping this word in 2012.

What about you? Do you have a word for 2012?

Thank you for your support and encouragement during the last year. I can't wait share another 12 months with you! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season with your family and friends!

See you next year!

CD winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Thanks so much to all who entered to receive Chris Tomlin's new CD, How Great Is Our God - The Essential Collection. Here are our two winners:

Tina H.

"Tweeted...... :)"

Tammie

"Tweeted!"

Congrats to the winners! Look for an e-mail in your inbox from me soon!

Multitude Monday....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

#191 Early morning cuddles with TWO boys
#192 Reminder of the joy in giving
#193 Striving to be purposeful this holiday season
#194 Watching my sons enjoy time with their amazing aunt

#195 Chocolate pecan pie!
#196 Sister time

#197 The incredible salvation I so easily take for granted
#198 Leftovers
#199 A patient Father who loves me even when I can't get it together
#200 Breaking out the Christmas music
#201 Baby smiles and coos

#202 How Great is Our God!
#203 Stars like diamonds spread across a dark November sky
#204 Watching my son develop a generous heart

#205 Precious memories tied up in handmade ornaments
#206 Quiet evening by twinkling tree lights
#207 Contagious desire of a fellow mom to be used by God and fall more in love with Him!
#208 So easily forgotten blessings of hot water, heat, and electricity
#209 Wrapping Christmas surprises
#210 Prayers in the car on early Sunday mornings - "Use us today, Lord!"

How Great Is Our God and a GIVEAWAY!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:33:00 +0000

One of my favorite ministries at church is singing/playing with our worship team. We enjoy sharing a wide variety of songs with our congregation from classic hymns to modern worship songs.

We often sing music by Chris Tomlin because of it's God-centered focus and sing-ability. That's why I was thrilled to be asked to review his latest album, How Great Is Our God - the Essential Collection. The CD features an awesome collection of Chris's most well-known songs as well as the background story to each. I really enjoyed reading how God worked in hearts to bring these amazing songs to life.

My favorite part of the album by far, however, was the new recording, How Great Is Our God - World Edition. It features worship leaders from around the world, singing this powerful song in their native tongue. It's incredibly moving to think about a Russian or Portuguese congregation praising our Almighty God in their language while our small Pennsylvanian church is doing the same! It's almost a little taste of what heaven will be like!

God has blessed Chris Tomlin with the ability to connect words and music in an incredibly powerful way as is seen in all 15 tracks. I can't recommend it enough as a wonderful addition to your music library.

What an awesome Christmas gift idea! Check it out by clicking on the affiliate link below! You won't be disappointed!!

How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection

I'm also excited to be able to give away not 1, but 2 CD's to my wonderful readers! Here's how to enter:

*Leave a comment telling me one of your favorite worship songs by Chris Tomlin (or another artist if you are not familiar with his music).

*Tweet about the giveaway then leave a comment telling me you did! Example: Win Chris Tomlin's new CD, How Great Is Our God - The Essential Collection!! Enter here: http://ow.ly/7FU2M @rachelerin05

*Share this giveaway on Facebook and leave a comment telling me you did! Example: I'm excited to worship with Chris Tomlin's new CD, How Great is Our God - The Essential Collection! Enter to win a copy here: http://www.rachelepereira.com/2011/11/how-great-is-our-god-and-giveaway.html

That's a total of up to 3 entries per person! :)

Remember to include an e-mail address with your comment, so I can notify you if you win!

The giveaway will end next Wednesday, November 30 and the randomly chosen winners will be announced Thursday morning, December 1.

*I received a copy of How Great is Our God - The Essential Collection to review for this post as well as two additional copies to give away. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

The non-competitive race....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

I'll admit that some of my favorite TV shows happen to be reality competitions. I easily get drawn into the drama of shows like Amazing Race, The Biggest Loser, The Apprentice, and Project Runway. In fact, if I watch even one episode, I'm hooked for the rest of the season.

I've noticed a common theme in almost all of these kind of shows. At the beginning, most of the contestants are at least civil with one another, and some even become fairly close. Somewhere about three-fourths of the way through the competition, however, someone inevitably says,

"I'm not trying to be mean by (insert some sort of strategic or back-stabbing move), but this IS a competition after all!!"

In other words, it's time to cut out any kindness, thoughtfulness, or unselfishness and do ANYTHING to win the money, trip, or job!

As believers, we're striving to reach a prize, too!! Paul tells us in Philippians 3:14 that we ought to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

It's interesting, though, that we're racing, but not competing with the others around us! In fact, winning isn't the end goal at all!! Instead, we are to be growing in spiritual maturity which actually promotes that same kindness, thoughtfulness, and unselfishness that the world so easily throws to the side.

(By the way, it is impossible to reach that spiritual maturity through a checklist of do's and don'ts. It is only by living in daily remembrance of the grace given to us at the cross that we can hope for any sort of true spiritual growth).

Competition (ie. jealousy and bitterness) can rear it's ugly head in so many "good" areas!

For example, I am not in competition with the blogger whose writing is being used to inspire and encourage others. I am, however called to encourage them to press on in their race!

I am not in competition with another church ministry that is flourishing and reaching many in the community. I am, however called to pray for the souls that they are impacting and for wisdom for the ministry's leaders.

I am not in competition with the mom whose children seem much more well-behaved or advanced than mine. I can, however, glean valuable insights from her, and look for ways to support a fellow young mom.

Credit

I guess you could say that the Christian life is a little like a relay. We're all running and racing, but we ought to be working as a team! Instead of comparing ourselves among ourselves (which scripture says is unwise - II Corinthians 10:12), we ought to save our energy and focus for the real (and very powerful) competition!

Saturday Style.....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Hope you're having a "comfortable" Saturday! :)

Spontaneous Cookie Baking (and the simplest cookie recipe ever)....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:18:00 +0000

In the midst of round the clock diaper changing and feeding, it can be easy to lose sight of the simple blessings hidden in each day. A Steady Rain is where I want to document those precious moments - moments like our spontaneous cookie baking session a few days ago.

I love this peanut butter cookie recipe - 1 cup sugar, 1 cup peanut butter, and 1 egg (we added some chocolate chips too!). It's so nice to not have to pull out a cookbook, and I almost always have all three ingredients on hand!!

We baked them for about 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees, and then ATE them! :)

I'm so thankful for the laughs and precious conversation. The mess we left behind was completely worth it!

What simple blessing have you found lately??

Multitude Monday.......

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

#181 A sweet friend's safety in a horrible car accident
#182 Pumpkin pie!
#183 Laughing 'till it hurts
#184 A convicting message about the tongue (by my amazing pastor husband)
#185 "Take My Life"
#186 The service of so many for our freedom
#187 Cozy slippers and hot chocolate
#188 Thanksgiving preparations
#189 Simple forgiveness of a child
#190 A generous neighbor with a leaf blower

Multitude Monday ~ Baby edition......

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

*It's been 2 weeks since we officially became a family of 4. While it's been a tiring time, it's also been packed with blessings! That's why I decided to make this week Multitude Monday ~ Baby edition! Hopefully the list of blessings and loads of pictures will catch you up with the changes in our family lately!

#151 Sweet conversation with my best friend (ie. my hubby) on the hour drive to the hospital the morning of my inducement
#152 Anticipation of an exciting day

#153 An epidural that worked this time!!

#154 The chance to rest while we waited......

#155 Only pushing for 20-30 minutes (much better than the 2 1/2 hours last time)

#156 Meeting my handsome little guy after a long wait

Yes, I realize this isn't the best picture - my head looks gigantic! :)

#157 Some wonderful nurses and an amazing midwife

#158 10 fingers and 10 toes

#159 A healthy cry

#160 Lots of strawberry blonde hair

#161 Turkey sandwich after 15 1/2 hours of no eating - heavenly! :)
#162 Sweet visitors at the hospital

#163 A proud big brother

#164 Fresh fruit cup (the best thing on the hospital menu - SO yummy!)

#165 Tiny cuddles

#166 NO SEIZURES this time!

#167 Successful nursing

#168 An incredibly thoughtful gift on our porch from my sweet friends at MOPS

#169 Delicious homemade meals (that I didn't have to make!!)

#170 A husband who has been sleeping on the couch to take night duty so I can get rest and hopefully prevent any seizures - what a man!

#171 Fresh flowers

#172 Two week old curious eyes

#173 Healthy doctor's appointments

#174 My favorite 3 boys!

#175 Watching my two sons bond

#176 A successful 1st Walmart trip

#177 Calls from concerned friends

#178 Tiny diapers

#179 Sweet baby smell

#180 Baby snores

We are blessed!!

How are YOU doing, friends? I'd love to hear what 's been going on in YOUR life lately!

He's here!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:55:00 +0000

After a long wait, our little pumpkin arrived at 11:31 pm on October 21!

He was just a little smaller than his brother at 8 lbs 4 oz and 20 inches, but definitely just as cute! :)

I'll be try to be back later with lots more pictures, but for now we're settling into being a family of 4 and enjoying LOTS of cuddles!!

Reminder....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Source: etsy.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Simple Fall Fun.....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:56:00 +0000

Multitude Monday....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

#141 A brand new baby swing - much smaller and better fit for our house
#142 God's CONSTANT provision through our church family
#143 Beautiful full moon
#144 Making memories in the simple things (ie. a new Spiderman suit!)

#145 Encouragement through Twitter friends
#146 Carving Fall pumpkins
#147 Learning to cherish each moment while waiting
#148 Psalm 16:9 ~ "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope."
#149 FREE coffee!
#150 Continuing to realize the great purpose and joy in parenting!!

Multitude Monday....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of my sweet blogging friend, Cherie at Heart and Soul Reflections

#131 Joy of watching my child hide God's Word in his heart
#132 Homemade pancakes
#133 Watching support and prayers spread on Facebook for my former high school English teacher facing death after an intense battle with cancer
#134 Knowing that my teacher is now at home with her Savior - so thankful to have that hope myself!
#135 Cuddling under blankets on a chilly morning
#136 Surprise gift of fudge! Yum!!
#137 New, soft baby blankets
#138 Absolutely, GORGEOUS fall days
#139 The gentle rebuke of God through the innocent question of a toddler
#140 One more week! :)

Showered with love!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Last Friday night, I was showered with love from some of my friends from MOPS and our church. I was overwhelmed with their generosity! Along with all the gifts you see pictured below, the ladies of the church collected money to go toward Walmart gift cards. Since I have many "baby things" already, these cards will be perfect for all the boring, yet necessary things like diapers, wipes, Diaper Genie refills, etc....

I was also SO excited to receive a beautiful scrapbook with pages for every holiday and milestone in the next year made by the talented ladies in our church family. I'll just have to add the sweet baby pictures to an already completed scrapbook!

Of course, every shower has yummy food, and mine was no exception. They even had my favorite, no-bake cookies!! Yum!!

The most special part of the evening for me, though, was the time spent fellowshipping and laughing with many of the amazing women that are a part of my life.
I was so blessed to have each one of them there. It meant the world to me!

After buying some last minute necessities with my gift cards, I think I'll finally be ready for our new blessing in under 2 weeks!! I can't wait to meet him!!

**Note: I apologize in advance if many (or all) of my posts in the coming days revolve around the rest of my pregnancy, delivery, and our new bundle of joy. I don't mean to bore you, but we're eagerly awaiting being a family of 4!!!

Hope you're having a great week so far!