A Simple Seed

There I sat watching the dark sky on fire with a million shards of the sun dancing about. The wild warm night wind played with my hair and the smell of new asphalt teased my nose. In slow motion... my smile grew... bigger and bigger until there was no hiding the emerging giant grin I could no longer contain. I sat there recalling everything that had happened in the last year. My smile was now as wide as the beam of our headlights hitting the landscape racing beneath us. I looked down to try and keep my joy all to myself, like a wonderful secret. I could tell he was watching, without looking over, I could feel his gaze melt over me as he mirrored the same goofy grin....

Justin and I have been blessed beyond measure in the last few weeks. I feel an overwhelming need to share just how the Lord as been blessing us. Praise God for His new mercies everyday. His blessings have grown and grown over time, they mean more and more and become more elaborate, more beautiful, organic almost.

A few weeks ago Justin and I were at the end our rope. We had found out that he had officially exhausted every resource and could no longer attend the Culinary Institute in Napa Valley. We were both so devastated at the turn of events. We knew there was a reason as to why the funds didn't come in, why we both felt so certain only to have it taken away. We had each other and more than anything, we had the Lord. We laid it down and asked God's understanding, his blessing, and direction. As we began to pick up the pieces we began to focus on what was next. God where would you have us? How do you want us to grow? We are young, grow us in you Father.

I can't say all of our questions have been answered but the Lord has showered amazing blessings. So, Justin and I begin to focus on what we know is certain, and that is our wedding in December. I go to David's Bridal with my sisters and niece and try on a lot of dresses and my family all tells me I should try on this dress on the mannequin...which of course is WAY out of my budget..even on sale. I was a little disappointed that dress didn't work out but I leave in hopes of coming back again to find something similar.

The original plan was for me to move down to Fresno and live in Justin's old room while he was at school in Napa. In Fresno I would be working and going to school. Because it didn't work out, we needed to consider plan B. So, I transferred my units back up to Oakhurst and I am still living here with Shaug and Amy. Justin however was left praying for a new job and place to live.

Meanwhile...
My wonderful sister Angie feels a final call back to Avalon on Catalina Island. She will be moving the first of September. As hard as it is to see her go, I know the Lord wants her there, and He is going to bless her for her faithfulness in such a big move. My brother Paul, sister Angie, and my younger brother Rick all live in the same mobile house together. Now...Rick and Paul need a room mate

Pam, the manager of pizza factory is starting to think about a new hire...and recalls Justin (a previous employee of hers for years who works very hard and has a lot of potential...) Maybe she should call him... :O

A few weeks later, my brother Rick comes with me to David's Bridal to try on some more dresses. He is, after all, my man of honor. So, we try on a few more potential buys. I was blessed too because my future sister Amber came and gave a much needed balance to the viewing audience ;) Rick and Amber wanted to see the dress I had tried on the week before, hesitantly I tried it on for them. When I went back into the dressing room. I stood alone for a minute in the dressing room...

"Father...I don't know what is going on in my life right now. I feel so uncertain about everything. Please give me the strength to walk away from today feeling sane. I just wish mom could be here for this...let her see this Father, please."

I walked out of the dressing room in my shabby jeans and grey tank and got ready to leave. As I walked over to Rick and Angie, they were talking about financing options available at the store with the store sales person. Rick told me to pay the woman what I was going to pay for my dress. "Rick, what am I buying?"
"You're buying that dress Korina. It's is perfect, and you have to have it."
"I can't afford that dress"
"Yes you can...I am helping you, I've got the rest"
....WHAT?! How in God's name could my little brother make this happen?! I stood there baffled...wow. But wait! There's more! Not only was I blessed with my dream dress, I came home to an e-mail from my God Parent's saying they would print my invitations for free at their print shop...for free...as a wedding gift.

Wow Father! How you love me, how you love me...

About a week later on the drive home, Justin and I are talking about the possibility of him moving back up to Oakhurst. With each day that passes he feels called more and more to this place. We stop by Angie's house to talk to Paul, who tells Justin...he needs a house mate...hmmmm, coincidence, we think not. Now, just provide work Lord. Oh! you did already?! Oh, well ok then. Justin calls Pam at the pizza factory who had in fact already been considering Justin as a re-hire. Job, check!

Oh and hey, our wedding cake is covered...what the what?!. My awesome Tia Jackie is taking on the daunting task of making us our wedding cake. She is so much more of a blessing to this family than she realizes. I see mom in her eyes every time she laughs...

Lord, thank you for your continued blessings.

Korina, Justin, How I love you so...

Let me show you

Korina, here, I have a car for you...

Yes, the long awaited car has arrived. With my sister's move, her car needed a home. Her awesome little Hyundai Accent is now for sale. Not only is the Lord so awesome He provided the loan from Shaug and Amy, they also loaned enough for me to pay off my last car....yes, this is all actually true. So, with this blessing all I have to worry about it a small monthly payment with a significantly smaller interest rate.

And may I say, I am so looking forward to creating a home with my man. I have never been more excited about creating a space like I am about ours. My prayer is we will fill our home with joy, and practice hospitality often. Dinners and games with family, times of prayer, worship, a warm home. December here we come! 120 days away....

So, I feel like dancing, like celebrating the Lord's faithfulness. Of course our Father loves us, He is always finding ways to show us, even something as magnificent as the sunrise this morning. Which was so beautiful it looked edible. We praise you Father in the dark, and in the light we sing you songs of joy.

Father you see these widening smiles, you catch these in your gaze. Joy fills our hearts at how you love. We are not certain of anything, but we are certain of you, we are certain of your call. We recognize you Jesus. Let us give back to you all you have given Father.

Generosity - "readiness or liberality in giving."

Overwhelmed I sit in my room basking in the joys of the Lord. Thank those around you who have prayed for you, who have loved you, who have given more than you choose to realize. Live generously.

Illuminate. Be fruitful.

The Beginning (A Simple Seed) - The Classic Crime
p.s The Beginning by Classic Crime (careful, this song even makes me cry) if Gifford or Caitlyn come across this...this is for you guys ;)