A Little Bit...Shiny

I was once told “God sees you like a piece of metal in the grass, you reflect the light so brightly that it can be hard to look at, but unless you abandon your fear, you will be like rust” For that statement I am forever grateful. It can be my motivation to be the one to smile first in the morning, to recognize I have the power to change someone's day by reflecting God. I choose to bring praise for all that is going on right now, because..

Well because, life is beautiful. There is so much worth praising about right now I can't even begin to describe it all. Sure, there are a lot of hard things going on too, but for now, here is the awesome...

I am getting married in 145 days...what?! There is a lot still to do, but Justin and I are thoroughly enjoying every minute of it :D

We have started premarital classes with Ryan and Christen Davis, our old youth pastor from Mountain Christian Center. Our first meeting was so great and we are both so eager to learn more and more from each other.

I went to Monterey with Justin for his birthday last week and we had such a great time, it was a much needed break and being able to spend time with just him really gave me a lot more to look forward to with married life :) His birthday was Friday and we had a great time with Hannah and Ben and his family. I cannot wait for many more with him.

Work is getting better as I am getting into the swing of things more. It is still a challenge, but I know this isn't where God wants me permanently.

I am praying about moving down to Fresno soon. I start school the 17th and I am trying to find work down there.

I am falling in love again every day with my Justin. His passion for what he does, how he works, how he loves, is so overwhelming, so convicting.

God is working on healing my heart, and teaching me encouragement. I am so eager to see where He takes Justin and I, what His plan is for us.

Some prayer requests...

Justin couldn't get a co-signer for his school loan, so, as it stands he will not be attending in the fall, but will need to save and reapply next fall. The financial aid office is going to try and help us some, but we are still waiting to hear back from them. So, just prayer that God's will be done, that we find understanding and peace in the situation. If it does work, that Justin would find affordable housing and be able to transition easily.

I am looking at maybe buying my sister Angie's car, so just that if it is what God wants, that things would go smoothly and work well for the both of us.

That as I get ready for school, God would prepare my heart for the big task ahead of me, I will be full time and working.

I still need a job down in Fresno if I move there. So just prayer that I would find a flexible job that can help me save and cover my monthly expenses. I am looking at Starbucks again as an option and have a applied at a few.

Ok, I know that is all a mouthful, but that is my life as of now :D

I was in church with Justin yesterday. As we were worshiping I could really feel the Holy Spirit moving in the sanctuary. As I looked up in praise I felt God urging me to look at Justin. The way that man worships is so convicting. He is completely consumed in the Lord. He abandons everything and I was so overwhelmed by him I couldn't help but come to tears. The Lord knows just what I need. I need this man, and his heart for the Lord. The way he chooses to live his life urges me to a closer walk with the Lord, and there is nothing more attractive than knowing this man, the man I will marry, loves our God more than me.

Whether or not I chose to live this day for the Lord, the sun still sets and rises in praise, the clouds still mirror that setting sun, the birds still sing, the wind still blows, all for Him. The world moves forward in pursuit of our King, and I will move with it. When I choose to live my life as I was created, when I love as I was created to love, I move in pursuit of the heart of God.

Father take our lives as yours, as we come together, we come to you. Thank you for this life, as much as I have messed it up, I am in awe of your allowance of me to carry your name. Let us glorify you. In healing, in hurt, in the fire, in the quiet, in song, and near the river, in your grace, and in our sin, be magnified.

Illuminate.