Weekends of Woe

Rachel's Randomness

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"No one can think more highly of the understanding of women than I do. In my opinion, nature has given them so much, that they never find it necessary to use more than half." - Henry Tilney (Northanger Abbey) 

As I sit at work, listening to Pandora, surfing the Internet for story ideas, thinking of how fast these past few months have passed, Michael Buble's' song, "Home" starts playing. Oh, how appropriate that the lyrics play to my heart throbs. 

Do you ever feel that people who may or may not claim to be your "friends," often use you as a last resource or thought? We are such selfish human beings, some of who give so much more love, loyalty, affection, than we receive. But I feel like King David in the Psalms, when I say, praise God that we are not alone and that did not Christ suffer SO much more than we ever will? He is so gracious and longsuffering towards us. Those thoughts alone should humble and bring us down on our knees in thanksgiving and lift that burden off our shoulder. 

These past few months in Washington, D.C. have been great for me in so many ways and have revealed to me things about myself. At times I think I'm strong in and of myself to fight temptations but before I know it I end up thinking, "How did I, of all people, get here?" It reminds me of what my dad has preached and taught me throughout my childhood, and I'll never forget it, "Pay attention, don't wander," he would say in his deep, grave voice.

I have been blessed in so many ways and just reflecting on them brings a smile to my face and melts away my complaining heart. There are millions of things we can find to complain about in a day - it's a better challenge to find and reflect on what blessings that God through Jesus Christ has blessed us with. Take a minute to name a few and you will see what I mean. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:17, "So we do not lose heart...For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."

All that said, I am just going to quickly point out how frustrated I am that my computer decided to commit suicide last night. Yes, a mere MONTH after the year warranty from Dell expired. Never thought I'd say these shocking words, but say them I will, I detest, no HATE Dell! I feel they plant time bombs in the computers so you have to buy a new one every year - I've definitely decided it is a conspiracy of some sort - I'm onto them. My hard drive is completely done for - a lot of my life is on that computer. I think I might cry. Thank goodness I've put most of my pictures on facebook. Dell, I'm SO done with you - Apple, here I come!!! But the "Pollyanna" side to that is I was able to post pictures I took in Williamsburg as well as watch "Northanger Abbey" on youtube with Michal.

Williamsburg was lovely but very hot. My favorite part of the entire visit was the Colonial period dancing on Saturday night. They asked for volunteers after demonstrating various dances, such as the minuet. There are two-couple, three-couple, and four-couple dances! As they asked for volunteers from the crowd for the four-couple dance, I raised my hand in high hopes of being selected, since I was in the back of the non-to-well-lit room. A gentleman (Daniel was his name) in a red velvet waist coat picked me! I was so glad I decided to wear my pink sundress from J. Crew. I felt like I was transported back in time and had become a part of Jane Austen's world - I could almost envision Mr. Darcy dancing across from me. 

Michal and I decided to go for a run last Tuesday night, not expecting the torrential downpour that was brewing. Halfway across the bridge over the Potomac, the storm unleashed its unrelenting fury - as if it were crying angry tears for me. (This was a hard week for me at that point) I had never before been scared of a storm until that moment, when I felt so exposed and as the wind whipped around us and the rain stung our skin. Within seconds, Michal and I were drenched and we could barely see in front of us and had to keep blinking the water out of our eyes. I groaned aloud, "My iPhone is SO going to die now!!!" We got home and the speaker wasn't working. I called AT&T and they recommended putting it in a bowl of rice. Thank goodness Michal had some. Praise God that the next day it worked like a charm. Now I can wait to upgrade to the iPhone 4 until they fix it.

The exciting part of the beginning of last week is that on Monday, my article on women and their struggle with pornography made the front page of The Washington Times: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jul/11/more-women-lured-to-pornography-addiction/ 

Thank you all for your continued prayer, friendship, and for taking time to read my blogs. It shows me that you truly care about me enough to follow what is going on in my life. Until next time.

Peace out,

Rachel Duke

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Rachel's Randomness

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"A dream I won't wake from. A story that will never end. The ground your feet walk on, let me be there..." - For My Love

This is one of those moments where my sleep-deprived brain is frantically scrambling to kick into gear and stay on track because of the information overload it has from all the details I want to get out and write down in some sort of organized, simple fashion. See, I am even writing run-on sentences that probably didn't make a lick of sense to any of you but me - haha!

I will do my utmost to tell all of this past week's highlights in a nutshell - which is probably just as futile as telling the world to stop moving.

Ah, yes. I did tell you all to expect a huge ta-do about, and me mooning over Eclipse (no pun intended - haha). Hillary (another Washington Times intern) and I pre-ordered our tickets the day before for the 8 p.m. showing at a theater in Chinatown. We were both like giddy girls and felt like such dorks for pre-ordering our tickets. We got great seats. The movie was more fantastic than I was expecting. I was floating on cloud nine afterwards and was in a daze of awesomeness. It was so cool because a month or so before the movie came out, I had bought the Eclipse movie soundtrack and had listened to the songs so many times that I recognized them throughout the movie and even knew some of the lyrics - haha - wow! Edward really redeemed himself in this movie - the humor was well balanced, the story was solid and easy to follow, and some of the lines were unforgettable and brilliant! "Doesn't he own a shirt?" - Edward -- "Let's face it, I'm hotter than you." - Jacob -- "I will fight for you until your heart stops beating." - Jacob. There are many other parts that really struck a chord in my own heart - especially with Bella - I feel this is the first movie that better captured her character in the Twilight books and gave her a movie script with more substance. Anyways, lots of hotness going on - two thumbs up!

I have to say that I was almost embarrassed at how obsessed some, if not most of the audience members appeared to be. There was a ton of clapping, hooting and hollering going on - lol. At one point where Edward formally asks Bella to marry him, and before Bella has a chance to reply, one of girls in the audience yelled (in a creepily orgasmic manner) "YES!!!" Wow - there are no words.

Friday, Michal and I went on a "double-date" at Sculpture Garden to hear live jazz and sip sangria with Jeff and Brian - TON of fun! Jeff even got all fancy and brought actual wine glasses so that we didn't have to drink out of the plastic cups. After that we made our way toward this place recommended to us called Cafe Burma. Michal and I split a meal - it was pretty delish. Then we strolled the street-lit sidewalks to get some yogurt at fro-zen-yo. Tons of laughter all around - great times to be cherished always!!!

On Saturday, I got to go to the Home Depot with Andy and Brian to scout out materials Brian needed to build a back porch and we got stuff for a car wash (hose, hose head, sprinkler, etc.) - I just enjoyed watching the guys do their thing and joking along with them - I felt like I was back in Texas that day, just because I was at Brian's house and not an apartment, riding around in a car, and away from the press of downtown festivities. We swung by and picked Michal up and washed Brian's car and then we all ran like kids through the sprinkler like wild banchees - I was definitely squealing - not gonna lie. Then, wonder of wonders, guess what people?!!!! I got to drive A car for THE first time in about TWO MONTHS!!! Michal and I drove to get groceries and make dinner for the hungry men - it was delish of course. We ate out on the patio then the boys played guitar for us and we sang along. Board games were in order but Michal and I ended up introducing the guys to the world of Brian Regan -- suffice to say -- we spent the next hour straight, a laughing heap on the couch.

Sunday was 4th of July - what a happy one it was too! It was pretty awesome to celebrate America's independence in Washington, D.C. - a bunch of us went to church at Frontline at 5:30 then we had a cookout - which I helped run and (wo)manned. We then all got into cars and made our way over to a bridge off the highway that overlooks the Potomac. It was a breathtaking view with all the lit boats on the water with the Washington monument in view. The fireworks were glorious and made more magical as they reflected off the water. The spot we were located gave us a 360 degree angle of fireworks from around other cities.

We had a pool party on Monday to do something chill to recover from the madness of the flurry of festivities of the July 4th weekend. After swimming, a group of us headed over to Old Town to Hard Times Cafe - even Jeff joined us there. They have pretty awesome wings, chili, and cornbread. I drained three full glasses of diet Coke because I was SO thirsty! Good times at Hard Times - haha!!!

Like I've said before - there are so many details that I miss or slip my mind as I write these blogs - wish I could preserve and right down more perfect memories than I do. At least I can give you all a small glimpse of what my experiences and feelings are. Hope each of you had a Happy 4th of July!!!

Peace out,

Rachel Duke

All the Craze

Rachel’s Randomness
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“You’re a Grace Kelly to her Katharine Hepburn.” - Michal Elseth

I didn’t know that sipping diet cherry Pepsi with ice cubes from my Anthropology coffee mug, after a long, hot run could be SO delightfully refreshing! I’m one happy woman right here and right now just because of that – haha!

Michal and I decided to go on a five mile run – a break from our normal gym routine – after work today. Yes, you read “five miles.” I have a hard time believing it myself. Oh my gosh – news flash – I forgot that every Tuesday night the Navy band plays at Iwo Jima, right where we run. Can you say, “WOW!” Hundreds of men in their sharp Marine and Navy uniforms – I almost swooned and stopped my run just to soak in the sight. The sight of it all reminded me of “Pride and Prejudice” when Mrs. Bennett, Lydia and Kitty scurry into the town of Merrytown to greet the long line of militia and flirt with the officers. Kitty says to Lydia, “But how will we meet them?!” Lydia replies, “Easy. You drop your handkerchief, they pick it up, and then you’re introduced!” Silly girls. Michal and I looked sharp ourselves though and definitely got checked out – mmhmm – haha!

On the run back (I had never pushed myself this hard), when we had run back past the busloads of Marines and Navy officers, I had to stop because of how tight my chest had gotten. One of the Marines asked, “Are you okay? We have water if you need some.” Gasping for sweet air, I replied, “It’s okay. I may look like I’m dying, but I’m fine.”

I think the iPhone/iPod is one of THE most genius of inventions. Music brings me so much joy and I more often than not want to burst into song – but I think I would get stared at by passer-bys – alas one of the luxuries of having one’s car.

Tomorrow is Eclipse!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FINALLY! It seems so surreal and almost wrong that this day is already here. I’m going with Hillary, another intern from The Washington Times – we even pre-ordered our tickets – whoo hoo!!! Go Team Edward!!! And no, I don’t have OCD (Obsessive Cullen Disorder) – okay maybe a very mild case – haha! Okay I’m done with Twilight for now – I know how it makes some of you cringe or roll your eyes – but go ahead – I’m not ashamed.

Oh, and get this, does it ever seem that when you’re have a great day and life is beautiful to you, that everyone else’s day is like their WORST day ever?! My timing is so off but then a part of me is glad, because then I’m there to support and cheer them up. I’ve been working on my positive outlook on life and keeping things in an eternal and spiritual perspective helps me to do so. I seriously don’t see how people survive without the joy and fulfillment that can only come from Jesus Christ.

Time for bed! Hope you all have a great 4th of July weekend with friends and family! I know mine will be WILD!!! Parties and activities all weekend! Remember to pray for my younger brother Haden, as he leaves for his five week internship in China tomorrow! Brace yourselves, most likely my next blog will be all on Eclipse – haha!

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

Not Too Sweet, Not Too Sour...

Rachel’s Randomness
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“Mr. Collins is exactly the sort of man that makes you despair of the entire sex.” - Elizabeth Bennett

Wow, my internship is halfway over. “Doesn’t it go by in a blink?”as Bill Parrish said in the movie, “Meet Joe Black.”

If you think coming to Washington, D.C. is a way to escape the Texas heat, let me knock your delusions out of the ballpark right now. Trust me, it might be a few degrees cooler, but the humidity more than makes up for those degrees – haha.

Yesterday was interesting to say the least. You know how when people say, “It was interesting,” it can take on one of two meanings? Yeah, well yesterday took on both of those meanings. So yes, Michal and I decided to brave the heat of the day and go to Eastern Market. Really neat place, full of random knick-knacks, vendors, and fresh produce scattered here and there, under rows and rows of white tents.

The first vendor we stopped at sold homemade soaps and shea butter products, which he told us Whole Foods sold. A lot of the soaps smelled so good. I’m a person who likes to smell them all. So I reached to smell one, that I didn’t realize at first was called, “Sexy.” Yeah, so as I put it up to my nose the vendor told me, “You don’t need that one, you probably woke up looking like that.” Wow – TMI anyone? I ended up buying this scent called, “Beautiful,” because I loved the combo of cinnamon and rose. Of course he said, “Oh, you don’t need that one either.” How corny, and I think I was stupidly blushing. I’m not used to people being so bold with their compliments, even if they aren’t sincere.

Next, we stopped to try some of the fresh-grown peaches they sell there. So scrum-diddely-umptious!!! I bought three. A vendor selling fresh flowers caught my eye and I slowly made my way over. Reaching the vendor, and as I bent to smell and take in the fragrance of the various flowers, I saw two guys out of the corner of my eye, glance over in my direction. One of the guys made his way over and said in a somewhat loud and uncertain manner, “Lisa? Lisa?” At first I thought he was talking to someone else. I looked up at him through the shades of my sunglasses and realized he was looking directly at me. Somewhat taken aback, I said, “No, my name is not Lisa, sorry.” They guy looked at me and said, “I could have sworn you were this girl I once knew. She was cute like you, so that’s a good thing.” I again shook my head and told him I wasn’t this Lisa girl. Instead of apologizing for his mistake and walking away, as I expected, he just stood there and said, “Are you just playing games with me now or what?” I looked coolly at him and said, “Why would I want to do that?” and walked off.

Michal and I walked into the inside portion of the market that sold baked goods, meats, and cheese. There was another flower vendor and my eye was immediately drawn to some beautiful Gerber daisies. They are such a happy flower – they are my second favorite after red roses. They represent two different moods for me. The rose is all about the romantic, whimsical, dreamy, dramatic side of me; the Gerber daisy is about the spontaneity, fun, girly side of me. Anywhoo, I didn’t want to buy one at that moment because I didn’t want it to wilt. I wanted to buy it to put in the empty wine bottle we have at the apartment. So I decided to come back when we were leaving.

The flea market portion of the market was next on the agenda. Lots of random knick-knacks that no one really needs. After perusing the merchandise for awhile, Michal and I decided it was about time to head back. Turning around to walk back towards the entrance, I was horrified to see the two guys from earlier walking towards us and quickly turned to warn Michal about their approach. The guys spotted us and swaggered toward us. I groaned inside. The guy who had spoken to me earlier said, “It’s the Lisa girl.” His friend did the whole obviously checking us out head swoop, undressing me and Michal with his eyes. I shuddered internally and thought of the line from the movie, “Just Like Heaven,” where Elizabeth says, “I think I just threw up in my mouth.” I seriously am still getting over feeling violated. Michal and I quickly moved around them and they said to our backs, “It’s hard to have a conversation with you walking away.” Exactly.

It was time to go, and I walked back into the inside market, excited to purchase the Gerber daisy (I don’t like any other kind of daisy). There was a different lady vendor there now and she was showing two African American ladies a plant right around where the daisies were. Instead of asking the ladies to move, I decided to try to be as unobtrusive as possible, not wanting to inconvenience them at all, by stepping over their stuff to get to the flower I wanted. The vendor stepped in front of me, got in my face and said loudly, “You were SO rude to just step over these ladies’ stuff and cut them off.” (because obviously you’re cutting someone off when they aren’t moving…lol) I was so taken aback and I probably turned ten shades of red, in anger or embarrassment, I could not tell you. Turning around I was expecting to see the two customers to be like, “Oh, no worries, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it!,” with kind faces. No such luck. Stone-cold faces with bulging, offended, eyes glared accusingly at me. Flustered and at a loss, I apologized for my seeming rudeness as that was the least of my intentions. They appeared very skeptical of my apology and rolling her eyes one of the ladies said, “Mmmhmmm, okay.” Well all joy of buying the flower was gone and I did not want to give the vendor any business since she was SO rude to me.

But all in all, it was a very good day indeed. Michal and I were so tired from the afternoon heat that we came back home and slept for two hours. Yes, I forgot my camera – alas. Today we watch “Much Ado About Nothing,” starring Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branaugh, and Denzel Washington. Great movie – Shakespeare knows how to keep one in stitches.

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

"These are a Few of My Favorite Things..."

Rachel's Randomness

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"Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die." - Jonathan Edwards

Last night I had one of those phone conversations that lasted for hours but neither party noticed. It reminded me of Jane Austen's novel, "Persuasion": "My idea of good company is of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation," said Anne Elliot. To which, her cousin, Mr. Elliot replies, "You are mistaken. That is not good company - that is the best."

During this lively conversation, the Lord again convicted me that I have SO much to be so happy for and rejoice in. I feel too often that we (and I am referring to myself as well here) take all we have been blessed with for granted; that or we merely assume we have a right to these things. God through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, has richly blessed us beyond all measure and way more than we deserve, can ask, or think.

Most of the time, it's so easy to just see what we are lacking in our lives, to find something to complain about. We end up missing the treasures the joys that are right there in front of us. The "little things in life that make me happy," as I like to call it - haha! So through this conversation last night, I have thus been inspired to write down a list of "some of my favorite things." ("Sound of Music," in case you missed the reference) Sorry, I can't help but think in terms of songs or movie lines. Yes, I'm a dork - but the most awesome kind of one - haha!

I also want to write down a short list down of some of my life resolutions. Life is too short to not have a rough draft of future goals - which are always flexible to change depending on where the Lord takes me. Like my dad says, "It's better to have a goal than no goal at all." It will be good to finally have them down in writing. I also hope in doing this that each of you will not only get a laugh out of some of what I'm sure you'll see as ridiculous, but that you all will be encouraged.

A few of my favorite things:

- having the Holy Spirit reveal a verse, I've read dozens of time, in a new light so that I can peel back those layers to understand it in a deeper way

- driving my black Audi A4 '07 across the open highway and me just singing my heart out or getting lost in the lyrics.

- chocolate milk with animal crackers

- fresh, hot, giant, soft, chocolate chip cookies

- someone unexpectedly saying what I feel is the sweetest thing ever in the way of encouragement

- red roses or just flowers - add such color to life!

- laughing until I cry

- hugs

- finding joy in the details and adding flourishes to every area of my life

- a new pair of sharp, classy heels

- dresses or any excuse to dress up

- when my mom puts together an outfit for me and sends it to me and I actually love it

- sipping a glass of wine with my girls, watching a movie and using it as an excuse to have a good cry

- GLEE or Twilight

- conversations that you don't want to come to an end

- loving on, listening, and crying with people - doing little things to cheer them up and spiritually uplift them

- writing with flair and color (as in my blogs)

- quoting movie lines back and forth with friends and family

- knowing I'm loved and treasured by God, friends and family

- praying for my future husband

- having a random adventure and trying new things/places

- curling up on the cool leather of the recliner with a book or to blog, and letting it soothingly cup my body

Okay, so that's just the short list (had to edit a lot out - of course).

A few of my more interesting life resolutions:

- get really good at one form of dancing - either swing, salsa, or the two-step

- travel all of Europe and beyond it

- memorize several chapters out of the Bible besides the ones I already know

- do martial arts or kickboxing

- be able to be effective at shooting a gun

- learn to sail a boat

- drive an Audi V10 R8 at least once

......to name a few - things will always be added......

Well then, this was different. I bid you all a goodnight and a great day!!!!!!

Peace out,

Rachel Duke

For the Amore of Annapolis!

Rachel’s Randomness
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“Ya know, sometimes you gotta learn to love what’s good for you.” – Charlie Swan (New Moon)

I have been both charmed and seduced. Okay I know at this point you must be thinking what Westley in “Princess Bride,” said with a quizzical brow, in response to Inigo asking him if he happened to have six fingers on his right hand: “Do you always begin conversations this way?” – haha! Let me finish before we jump to conclusions shall we? I find that I could very easily live in Annapolis. We went there for a day trip (my family and I). It was a perfect day and very fitting for celebrating Father’s Day! This is the second time I have been to Annapolis. I liked it “okay” the first time I saw it – but today I had more time to explore, take pictures, and explore a lot of its nooks and crannies. Its charm definitely crept up on me and before I knew it, got the better of me, and it was love – haha! I was very jealous of all the people out on their boats – one of my favorite things is to be racing across the open water with the wind whipping my hair around and the sun kissing my skin!

I am always sad when the weekend is over – but I think it’s one of those rare occasions where I’m sadder than usual about it all being over. This was definitely one of the best weekends ever for several reasons. My family has been in town since last Wednesday and they are leaving Tuesday morning – this is a sadness. The bright side is that not only did I get to spend Father’s Day with my dad this year, but that mom will be coming to visit me again in July!!!

Annapolis was wonderful – actually that’s a pathetic word for it – fail. There were a few hilarious episodes that happened while we were there, that kept me in stitches. So I’ll share some with you. The first happened, right after we found a parking spot when we arrived. I had dozed on and off during the trip there – I find that I can pretty much fall asleep anywhere these days. Anyway, back on track here: We were walking along the sidewalk towards the center of the town – Mom was in the front, followed by Dad and Haden, then me a little further behind getting my camera out. An elderly woman was approaching us and so I moved over a little on the narrow sidewalk to make room for her. As she passed me, I heard this sound, which sounded like a squeaking, deflating balloon. At the same time I figured out what the sound was, Haden cocked his head, looked back at me and said, “Rachel…” At that point I exploded in pealing laughter, bent over double. I explained to them that it wasn't me – we were still laughing and Dad and I were so tickled – actually Dad was more tickled at how tickled I was. As we continued to walk we passed this sandwich shop called The Big Cheese. Yeah, you probably can already guess what I thought and what I said to Dad. Turning to Dad I said through my fits of laughter, “I think she definitely enjoyed her lunch at The Big Cheese.” (ya know, “cutting the cheese”?) – haha! Dad pretended to be shocked and said laughingly, “Prissy!” (yeah, that’s my dad’s nickname for me – don’t even think of using it.)

We visited this little shop called Capitol Tea that all sorts of teas and accessories in it. I sampled some of their Peach Tea. It was good but you could more smell the peach than taste it. That’s why some teas have always been frustrating to me. I like flavor and richness to hit my pallet every time. I looked at the guy (who looked like the last person in the world who would be selling tea. He was around my age, ear piercings, dark hair and clothes) and observed that the taste was “dull” and “bland.” He looked at me and said, “We in the world of tea prefer such elegant words as ‘subtle’ (etc.)…” I just looked blankly at him and shrugged. Whatever, he and the world obviously don’t appreciate how my own vocabulary brings something more to the table, enhances ordinary words, and brings a new meaning to life – I of course say this in the most humble, manner of fact way – haha! There was also this garden that mom discovered and showed me, although you had to peep over a stone wall to see it - it felt like a version of "The Secret Garden." There was a wedding reception going on there - SO romantic!!!

All good times must come to an end – on the drive home, as I was listening to Bethany Dillon’s “For My Love,” I happened to glance out of the window, up at the sky, to have my eyes catch the most unusual cloud – at first it looked like lungs – but looking closer, it looked like the two forms of a man and a woman, strolling leisurely out of the mist on their way home after a romantic dinner and dancing. Their heads are leaning towards each other, her arm hooked through his. He has a fedora on and she an elegant long dress – whispering tender, sweet nothings and laughing about their evening and at each other’s wit. True lasting love shines in their eyes and radiates on their faces. It made my heart ache. Simply beautiful. That is all.

There are pictures of the Annapolis trip on my facebook - yay - I have started fulfilling my resolution to take more photos! I also made progress on my second resolution to wear brighter colors and bought some magenta lipstick from M-A-C.

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

Feelin' Glee(ful)

Rachel’s Randomness
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“Something has changed within me, something is not the same. I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game. Too late for second-guessing; too late to go back to sleep. It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes and leap!” - Defying Gravity

I am listening to Glee, singing along, have my feet up on the cool, white, leather recliner, after walking in the door from being out and about all day – first at work, then out on the town for dinner at Union Station and fro-zen-yo with the parental and my younger brother, Haden. I am one content woman. As Lady Harriet says in “Wives and Daughters,” “Well, that was a good day’s work I think.”

It truly is the little things in life that bring me the greatest happiness. I’m getting so pumped up about Eclipse. I won’t be able to see the midnight showing of Eclipse, since it comes out on a Wednesday – this is a sadness. Oh, and Glee is no more until the fall. I’m so in love with Edward Cullen, Finn, and Mr. Schuster!!! There are so many other things to be excited for and look forward to!

This week, like I predicted, has been quirky. I’ve had an odd past few days. Like Bella says in Twilight, “You know, your mood swings are giving me whiplash.” All I can say is thank God for his long-suffering patience and for blessing me with such loving, understanding friends who reach out with words of encouragement at just the right times. This whole topic of pornography that I’ve gotten so wrapped up in and bogged down with, has really began to wear and tear at me, making my heart heavy, and soul weary. The good thing is that I’ve been turning more than ever to Scripture passages and talking with the Lord a lot more throughout the day. Philippians 4 has been of great comfort to me. I’m to the point to where when I hear Kristyn Getty, read passages from the Bible, in her Irish lilt, I get tears in my eyes. God’s word is so beautiful. There’s nothing like it.

I’m sure you all are tired of hearing this, but I’m just going to say it again: I miss Texas. While I’ve really enjoyed D.C., my heart is in Texas. You know what they say, “Home is where the heart is.” I thank God for this experience and internship here; I can already tell He’s growing me through this in so many ways. This is a milestone in my life and He has a purpose. I feel that going back to SMU in the fall and to graduate will be so weird. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me.

Years have seem to have gone by since I’ve been here, but it’s only been ONE month and TWO days – but who’s counting? Haha! My article ‘Epidemic’ Net Porn Cited, is the MOST READ article on The Washington Times online website right now – how cool is THAT?!! Also it has over 63 very controversial comments – some of which are merely laughable. There are 49 retweets, and over 400 Facebook recommendations. It even made the front page of the Drudge report!!!! Here’s the link if you want to read for yourself: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jun/15/epidemic-growth-of-net-porn-cited/

Well enough excitement for one day and probably enough boring rambling for the rest of you. Oh, and one more thing. Besides making a point to take more pictures, Lea Michele (Rachel Barry - Glee) has inspired me to wear brighter colors both clothes and lipstick-wise. That is all. It’s time for bed – goodnight and I love you all!!!!

Peace out,
Rachel Duke