A light in the Darkness

I've been learning a lot this season. A lot about leadership & what it means to just be myself. This weekend was a big smack in the face, but at the same time, Jesus was so faithful and steady.

Truth is, there is so much darkness around us, and in us. But when we bring that darkness out into the light, it loses whatever power it once held. I'm learning what it means to get everything into the light...not just the seemingly big things. To be known and recognize those things about myself & my heart that I have just tended to overlook or try to overcome....Jesus wants us to get those things out. Not so that he can fix us, but so that he can love & lead us through them to freedom.

I pray that when you find yourself in the middle of the darkness, that you'll be exposed. It may hurt & be scary at first, but it's really such a gift to be in the spot where you get to choose now what to do...choose Jesus. Whatever that means. Just choose Him. He is always the best choice.

He exposed to me yesterday places where my heart had started to harden on the subject of engagement...I was turning bitter & hopeless, believing the lie that God has been withholding something great from me. I really do desire to be married, to Dusty. I want him to propose. But I don't want it to be rushed-I really do want it to happen in God's timing. Jesus really does know how to lavish me, and I know that's His plan...so let's see, be lavished, or just get it over with? Hmmm...I choose Jesus.

I can't believe it's already December...it's unreal to me how much I've grown over this past year & I really can't wait for what God has next for me in 2010, and for my family...it feels like He's on the brink of something huge. I can't wait!

Excitement!

I am SO filled with excitement I can't stand it!

• Tonight we start our Fused at the Movies: Christmas Edition series with Joanna teaching about family conflict. I can't wait to hear her teach! Jesus speaks so loud & clearly to her it's insane...
• Next Wed. I get to teach in Fused about greed vs. generosity...Ah! How amazing is that? I can't wait! I need to get started on the teach ASAP.
• D & I just got the OK to take our relationship to the next level...he's joining my family plan on Sprint. I can't wait to go shopping for a new phone for him (and maybe me) and add his new line!
  
• I've officially moved in with Shannah & Mer! I slept in my bed in my new room for the first time last night! yay! I still need to finish decorating & getting all my stuff arranged & go grocery shopping, but I'm so excited!
• Tomorrow my new roomies & I are going to decorate our Christmas tree together! I'll post pictures for sure.
• Friday D. & I are going to Cincinnati for our 2-year anniversary date! I'm taking a 1/2 day at work & we're going to Ikea, H&M, out to eat & to a House of Heroes show! Oh so fun!
  
• Saturday I'm going to a 'Good Sense' workshop at church to learn about how to budget finances in a healthy way...which will give me a great grasp on it leading into combined finances in marriage down the road...
• Next Monday D & I get to go on a double-date with an old friend & her boyfriend! Rach & Doug! I can't wait...they are both absolutely hysterical & wonderful to be around. We haven't been able to hang out with them in a long time, so I'm definitely looking forward to it!

And....it's December! Christmas music has commenced! The tree in Triangle park is lit up & the sleigh in front of Lexington Green is out. Peppermint Mochas are at Starbucks (as well as the red cups) and I bet eggnog ice cream is at Graeters too! Oh how I love this season! I need to go Christmas shopping soon though...or get crafty & make gifts.

Well, it's time to head to church & help get ready for tonight! yippee!