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For those who have wondered about Mr. May. Here is the beginning of our story. As told September 29,2010.

“So I mowed my lawn for the 1st time this AM; I’ve always lived places where it was taken care of, and Jonathan usually does it here. Well, it was overdue and I tackled it (push mower), and I am REALLY proud, but thats not the BEST part. While I am mowing a little old man walks by, we start talking and he tells me he lives a few houses away. He says he lived there since 1951! I told him that I walk my girls by there all of the time, the next time I came by I would stop or wave. He said he would like that because he is all alone. His wife of 60 years passed in January and GET THIS…TODAY would have been there 60th wedding anniversary. I said I was a Christian and asked if I could pray for him, he said he would really like that too!

After an experience like this, it hard to me to fathom people questioning GOD’s existence. He is ALL around us, if you are open to the possibilities. I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was supposed to be mowing my lawn this morning so I could meet Mr. May and pray for him. Will you keep him in your prayers today? I know this day is going to be rough for him.

So, if you come by my house and I’m not here, just look down the street, there’s a REALLY good possibility that I’m having ice tea with Mr. May.

FAST FORWARD..TWO WEEKS LATER-

I made him a YUMMY roast and veggies. I brought dinner to his house; as I approached I saw him through the window, he was tapping his fingers on the bar like he was nervous. he was wearing a perfectly pressed shirt and pants. He had laid out his finest china. We sat down to dinner and enjoyed THE BEST conversation; twice he cried about his wife. I had to pinch myself in order not to cry too. He was soo cute, because he acted like he was coughing when he was really crying. Afterward he have me a tour of his home and told me the beautiful roses on the table were for the cook; I did cry at that point. I left after we embraced a couple of times, promising to return really soon. He told me more than a couple of times how much he enjoyed it. I promised to do it again…a lot, if that was ok with him and he told me he would REALLY like that. I walked home with THE BIGGEST smile on my face. Mr. May is my new friend. I was going to take him some stroganoff today, but it didnt turn out so good. hehe”

I am reminded lately, over and over again, of “good people.” Someone recently said to me, “he’s good people,” and it was understood that that person was quality, right to the core.

I feel so fortunate to have these kind of people in my life.

I have a lot of people that quietly support me in the shadows of my life. They help me with my show, and guests, and little tid-bits of knowledge when I need it most. I was speaking to one of these people the other day and he said, “I will never forget that simple act of kindness you showed me.” I was stunned. The act he was speaking of? I very simply helped him learn to post a story while with Fox/Scout. I will never forget the day, because I was new, too, and it was sort of like the blind leading the blind. I could never foresee what that simple act would mean later in my life and career. We may think the act is insignificant, when in fact it could mean the world to that person. Ain’t life grand?

I was also reminded of “good people” when I was recently asked to visit Children’s Hospital for a meeting. They were kind enough to let me visit with some kids while I was there. I veered off course with these kids during my presentation because I could feel in my heart that that they needed a “genuine connection” more than they needed to hear my story. I knew that this alternate course could have a negative outcome, as in not being asked back to the hospital; but I had to go there. They needed something I had to give…encouragement, love, and some more encouragement. A wonderful thing happened in the room of magic that day, each and every one of those kids opened up, I mean REALLY opened up. They confessed their fears and inadequacies, and we tackled them head on, together. I am still in awe of what happened that day with those special kids. I held my breath as I left, but the “good people” that invited me gave me a reassuring smile and said, “you did good, you did good.” Again, I was thankful for “good people.”

Getting ready to be with my family, the best “good people” I know. My wish for you? That you let all the “good people” in your life know you appreciate them. I know I will.

GOD bless,
Rachel Baribeau

Funny story ( #NASCAR ). I got up at the crack of dawn this morning to get to the track for Chapel/services, because it’s Sunday & because I love GOD. I asked the girl working in the media center yesterday what time that happened to be and she pointed to the track services meeting on the schedule. It was scheduled to start at 8:30. I busted my rear ( not literally ),but I made it.
I sat down and pulled out my journal, ready to get fed and looked around. I remember thinking, there sure are a lot of folks in orange and red shirts, but I was too excited about the service to think much more about it. The meeting started and quickly I realized I was indeed in the Track Services Meeting, just it was the actual Track Services Meeting, as in the people that service the track, like EMS, Jet-dryer drivers, nurses, etc.

Only me.

By that time I didn’t want to get up and leave, as I was slightly embarrassed. The reporter took over in me and I thought I can learn something here. I took notes and listened intently, and planned my escape. Towards the end off the meeting I slipped out. One of the gentlemen that led the meeting followed me out. His name was Scott French, he is the Race and Advance Logistics Coordinator for NASCAR.
I laughed as I told him my mistake. He said, “they said you were a reporter, but we were glad to have you, as we encourage an open door policy here.” ( I guess I stuck out that much).
So all in all my mistake turned into a learning opportunity and a chance to meet a great person like Scott French, and see what it takes behind the scenes to keep the drivers and the fans safe at a track like Talladega.

Feeling really fortunate this evening. The kind of feeling you get after a hard day’s work, when you are tired, but you know you have done the BEST job you can do. A couple of times a week I pinch myself that I get to have a career that I am passionate about. I pray the same for all of you that are reading this. And if you don’t, here’s a hint, you are NEVER Too old to chase and achieve your dreams. GO GET THEM. They are out there waiting for you to get after it.

GOD bless,
Rachel

I am a Zumba Instructor.

It is one of the most important things I actively do with my life.

It is not just about dance or aerobic activity. It is far MORE important and serious than that. You see, I am in the life-changing business. I’ve been told personally.  Take this story for example, one participants’ regular attendance in a Zumba class helped saved her marriage, according to her. She found herself again, and in turn her husband found her, too.  Imagine hearing that once, now try twice on for size. I remember being shocked, but more importantly a quiet confidence resonated  through my veins. It’s one of those moments where you know that you know that you are doing EXACTLY what you are meant to do with your life. Zumba is more than saving marriages though, I’ve also seen a two dear friends help one another in getting one of the  girls a BETTER job, a job she LOVES.

I don’t do it for the affirmation, but I have to admit when a student comes to me afterward and tells me what a song, a word or a prayer meant to them, well that is a salve for my soul.

Here’s what I know Zumba to be.

Zumba is belief, it’s confidence, it’s reconnecting with your inner goddess or supremely handsome man (I have men that take my class, and they have one thing in common, they are secure), it’s also about connecting with others that share similar goals, it’s giving a mom a break so she doesn’t have a break-down, it’s looking in the mirror and liking what you see, it’s telling the stress you are under to take a hike. I regularly invite my family (yes, they are family) to take a deep breath at the beginning of class, to think about what it is they are “carrying” now literally and figuratively leave it at the front door. When it threatens to invade their mind during class you say, “NO!”  They are free to pick it back up after class, but most people find they didn’t like the baggage much anyway.

Why do I dance?

I dance because when I dance I am free, and not the ordinary kind of, well I’m free today, what do you have going on?  I mean the kind of freedom that makes your soul sing, the kind of freedom that makes gratitude course through every vein in your body.  The kind of freedom that comes with knowing you are blessed to have feet to dance on, air in your lungs, and another day to dance. I came across this quote a number of years ago and it pretty much sums up why I dance.

“While I dance I can not judge, I can not hate, I can not separate myself from life. I can only be joyful and whole. This is why I dance.” -Hans Bos

I dance with everything I have. I don’t take songs off,  I give everything I have on every song; because if I didn’t, how would that be fair to my class? I smile, I encourage, I act crazy. I whoop and holler. I make cheesy jokes. I wage war on cankles, turkey necks, muffins tops and arm jiggle.  I yell out people’s names, and tell them they are doing great. I’m one part motivational speaker, one part drill sergeant, or so I’ve been told.

I tell my family this, while also telling myself, healthy knows NO size. Healthy is a state of being. To me, healthy is beautiful, not stick-skinny  (now if you are blessed with ultra-fast metabolism, then GOD bless you, honey).  I don’t care what society or fashion magazines say, beauty comes in ALL sizes!! Period! Will I ever have a washboard abs? No. But that doesn’t stop me from rocking a sports bra if I feel like it. As I go through this life, I am learning to give myself a break, literally. Often times we are the HARDEST on ourselves.  As Pink says, “change the voices in your head, make them like you instead.”

Last, but certainly not least, we do something unique in my class. We end the class with a prayer. If you choose not to stay that is absolutely ok. I respect everyone’s beliefs and their right to them. I just happen to have a facility and a gym owner that lets us gather to pray, and I am grateful for them. I say, “no condemnation, no denomination, just prayers and praises.” It’s the perfect way to end a wonderful class. It’s also a wonderful way to connect and feel like you are a part of something larger.

It is the time I get to give thanks to my maker, Jesus Christ.  Thanks for the opportunity to lead these amazing creatures, for the blessing of this colossal, life-altering  opportunity.

Yes, I am a Zumba instructor, and this is what Zumba means to me.

I was getting ready to head to Atlanta this weekend for private family function, as I was getting ready to head out the door, GOD put these thoughts on my heart. I felt so strongly, that I shared on Facebook, hoping that someone else might need to hear how HE was dealing with me.

“All to often I am too wrapped up in my own life or perceived “issues” (I believe if we could ever glimpse or understand GOD’s plan we would be amazed at what we thought was a Setback was in fact really a setup for greater things, but I digress) to see hurting people. People that simply need love..a word, a touch, they need YOU to show them HIS love. I am praying that He will show me those people today, and always!”

I drove to Atlanta ready to touch, to encourage, to help. I was so ready, I found  myself praying for strangers in traffic.

Little did I know that GOD would challenge me to do more this day. I encountered someone from my past. GOD whispered to me to love, to forgive, to accept.

I did.

I climbed into my car, alone for the first time after the event. I looked at my phone, except I didn’t want to call anyone. I felt a deep need to be alone with my own thoughts and feelings for a moment. I took a deep breath and realized something very profound. I thought I was GIVING forgiveness; but in reality, I was getting FAR MORE. With that simple act of love and obedience I gained freedom, clarity, peace and sweet relief.

That’s the funny thing about forgiveness, we think it’s a gift to get it, but the gift is often times far GREATER for the giver.

I am reminded of a new friend I’ve been blessed with lately. GOD literally drew me to her.

Her father, a minister, was recently murdered in a robbery gone wrong. She and her family have seen him in court and spoken with his family.

I had  lunch with her the other day, before returning to work we sat in my car affirming one another. After sharing her gut-wrenching story, she said something so simple, yet stunning. Her words took my breath away.

“I forgive him. I REALLY forgive him. He needs it, Rachel. You know why? Because I have been forgiven.”

Hello all-
I hope this post finds you blessed, happy and healthy!!

You know when GOD shows up, just when you need, almost as if HE’s giving you a big bear hug?? That happened to me today. This week has been a trying week, but it has also been a beautiful week. I found out on Monday that my best friend, who also happens to be my grandmother, has liver cancer. She is most likely  going to take chemo, but we know we are in for a tough road either way. We can certainly use your prayers. I know she would want me to be strong, so I have done my best to do just that.

I believe that Jesus wants us to see the beauty in the world, in HIS plan, even during painful times. Actually probably even more so during the painful times. I just believe we have to choose to see it. HE has certainly showed me that.

It was a phenomenal week for my new radio program. We killed it on national signing day, had Joe Namath and Lesley Visser on our show, and found out that we are expanding into yet ANOTHER market, in just 3 months.

I don’t believe the timing of these things was anything of coincidence. I know that HE has plans for all of us.

I encountered a beautiful young woman in Kohls the other day. We exchanged pleasantries, then went on our way. Something told me to turn back and speak one more encouraging word to her. I don’t remember what it was, but I do remember saying this, “life is 10 percent of what happens to us, and 90 percent how we react to it.” She agreed vehemently. It was a very cool moment that touched me to my soul. Maybe she needed that affirmation; but I know this, I needed it more.

After traveling so much in the past two months, I was looking forward to getting a lot accomplished this Saturday ( at home).  Last night one of my sisters in Christ, and Zumba ducklings, texted me to tell me she was teaching a Zumba class on Saturday morning. I pulled something in my shoulder teaching class on Thursday, so I didn’t think I would be up to it; but something in my spirit said, “go,go,go.”  I got up this am, and got busy around the house. Looking at the clock, I realized I had just enough time to walk my girls and get to her class. I made it to class and heard the beats, and imagine my surprise when I walked in and ALL my Zumba girls were there with her (minus one-love you Ave) on stage. I  can’t describe the feeling other than to say it was like coming home. You see, these are all girls that have become instructors after I brought Zumba to Northridge in Northport, Al. I lovingly refer to them as my ducklings, and I am mother goose. I started dancing and Kee called me up on stage. Let me just say she taught one the toughest classes I have EVER taken. She asked all of us if we would like to teach a song. My other girls did teach, but  I refrained. I was having TOO much fun watching my girls go and ALL of the students just soaking it in. My cup was truly running over. Kee came back to me later between songs and asked if I would give my testimony after class. She apologized for putting me on the spot. I assured her it would be an honor. i immediately thought, oh wow, what am I going to talk about. Then I just felt a sense of peace, because I knew that GOD would give me the words. I just concentrated on dancing, with a an ear-to-ear grin I couldn’t wipe off my face. As the class ended, I felt an enormous sense of pride as Kee handed out Zumba bracelets ( something I do), and just encouraged her students. Even our cool downs were similar. It was one of those special moments in life where you realize that someone you helped mold has become MUCH better that you at something, but there is ZERO sense of jealously, only immense pride. You all know I am plugged in, and quite cheesy, so I have no problems admitting I cried during cool down. They were, as my grandmother calls them, tears of joy!

I am so proud of all of my Zumba girls. There presence in that class, and at lunch afterwards gave me so much joy, just when I needed it most. See, GOD does know what he is doing!!!!

Finally my opportunity came to give my testimony. I have given it plenty of times, but I long to live my testimony. Truly.

Here are somethings I touched on-

-You are like an onion, GOD wants to peel back your layers, even the ugly nasty layers. He wants to reveal who you are in HIM.

-When you give it ALL up to him and HE becomes your everything (your lover, your best friend, your provider, etc), life becomes so very sweet.

-Just because I am a Christian, that doesn’t mean I don’t experience bad things (see above), but it does mean I praise HIM in the good times and the very, very bad times. If you are down to nothing, HE is up to something. I have praised him from the fetal position before, and I will do it again.

-Speaking of praise, I give praise for the small crazy things. I give praise for finding keys when I’m late, I give praise for my ipod having just enough juice to teach a class. Little or big, I give praise.

-More than the talk, GOD wants us to live out HIS love, everyday. By touching someone, by forgiving, by complimenting, by helping, by accepting, etc. My goal is to be a bible with a skin on it. Will I ever get there completely, NO. But I will live out my days trying.

-Tithing it very important. He asks for only 10 % of what we make. When we tithe we are in a covenant with GOD. He gave us the air in our lungs, the ability to work, the legs and hands to work with. So really, it’s His anyway. He just wants to see if we will be obedient.

-He does not respond to fear, lack or pain. HE responds to FAITH. Faith with reckless abandon or even small faith, the size of mustard seed. Just matters that you have it.

I hope this post has touched you in someway. Like HE touched me today. GOD bless you all.

to raise awarness for heart disease in women!!!