News... BIG news...

   So, if you actually read my last blog post, I left a hint of more news than what was in the blog post. But if you didn't, that's okay... I'll still tell you. :)
   I have a secret. Sort of... It isn't really a secret, but neither have I announced it. I've just been enjoying it, but it's time to share it with y'all. I have a Beau. His name is Josh, and we've been getting to know each other for about three months now.
    Now, if you've known me for any length of time, or have been around my blog for awhile, then you know that a few years ago I broke up with my fiance. I went through a lot of trust issues with God after that, and have done a lot of healing these past two years. Earlier this year, I had reached a point where I figured that I was never going to get married, and I was okay with that. I was going to live by myself, with about a half a dozen cats or so, and serve God however I could. But God, once again, had a different plan in mind for me. (Shocking, right? God has a better plan than I do? Who knew? :D)
   So, Details. Because everyone loves knowing the details. :D  My church had a small group for young adults that got together once a week to do a Bible study together. When I got back from Ellerslie, I started going to it again. Josh was in the group, but neither one of us ever really talked to the other person. We had a conversation or two, but nothing major. I had a lot going on, so I didn't make it every week, but I did enjoy it. Then, the group got moved to Wednesday night, and I couldn't go at all since I worked in Kid's Church on Wednesdays. I missed it, but that was okay.
   A few months went by, and in late March/early April, the youth group had a Skate Night as a fundraiser for their mission trip.  I went, and he was there. Since there wasn't anyone else that either of us really knew, we hung out together and chatted. I enjoyed myself, and went home, completely oblivious that God was busy working in his heart.
   A couple more months went by - I joined the worship team, and in early July, I signed up to go on the mission trip to the Netherlands. Then, one Sunday, he showed up to sing in the choir. And then, later that week, there he was at the mission trip meeting. Then, on July 15th, our church had it's annual church picnic, complete with fire truck pulls. Our church never does anything by halves, or the usual way. Instead of tug of war, there was a competition to see which team could pull the fire truck across the finish line the fastest. Since they were in desperate need of women - the team had to consist of 5 guys and 5 girls, no more, no less - I somehow found myself unable to tell Josh no. Then that night, while watching a movie, my phone goes off. I had a Facebook message from him, telling me that he had admired me and my faithfulness and love for God for awhile, and could he have my number so he could get to know me better. After thinking about it and praying about it, I gave him my number. The rest, as they say, is history.
   Now, these past three months have been a bit of a roller coaster, as God has used this to bring many fears that I hadn't realized I had to the surface. I've dealt with fear of rejection, of being left again, of somehow making the wrong decision and messing everything up. And God just keeps on reminding me to trust.  He has the best in mind, and never makes a mistake. Now, don't get me wrong - it's been amazing, and I wouldn't trade these past three months for anything. Josh has been very patient with me as I work through different issues and feelings. This was not what I was expecting would happen in my life right now. But I've come to the realization that life, in and of itself, is one big unexpected experience. And I'm becoming okay with that.
   I'm very happy right now, and we get along really well. We both are actively involved in children's ministries, as well as other areas in our church. My family loves him, and he fits in very well. So, if you think of us, pray for us, as we figure out where God is leading this relationship. We both want this relationship to work, and to bring glory to God, for what other reason is there for our existence except to bring honor and glory to His Name?
   In His Love,
      Christy

Bucket List Revisions... (Ellerslie Post 9)

Hey everyone... This blog post is something that I have been contemplating for a bit, and I really feel like God is leading me to write this.

  On my birthday earlier this year, I put up a blog post with a list of 27 things that I wanted to do this year - things I wanted to experience, if you will.  However, while being here at Ellerslie, the Lord has really been pricking on my heart about a couple of things - one thing in particular actually.
    #9 ~ Going on a date.

  My whole life I have championed not dating - living a life of complete devotion to whomever I would marry in the future.  Proverbs 31:12 says, "She does him good and not evil ALL the days of her life." Not just after I've met him, or after I've been married.  And yet, on my list of things to do this year is to go on a date.
 
  I realize that I've been struggling with trusting God in all things - I'd gotten tired of waiting, so to speak, and thought that I'd "help" God along. "Just because I go on a date doesn't mean that I'm giving my heart away," was how I justified it to myself.  Even though I wrote that it didn't have to be a guy, I really wanted it to be a guy... It just sounded better if I didn't admit it. And I didn't want to admit it even to myself that I was struggling with being discontent and not trusting God. I'm the "good girl" so to speak - I'm not really supposed to struggle with things like that. I felt like I was supposed to have it all together, but I didn't. I still don't, in a way.  But I'm learning how to fully be surrendered to God and yield my life as a living offering to Jesus Christ on a daily basis.  My life is not my own - I have been bought with a price, and everything I do should bring God glory.

   So today, God went after #9 on my list.  And I really feel like He is calling me to apologize to all of you readers.  I was wrong in not trusting Him and for lowering my standard.  I ask for your forgiveness and patience as I continue to seek out how God wants me to live. I pray that my list didn't cause any of you to stumble, and if it did I am very sorry.

Please pray for me as I continue to seek out His will for my life...

   In His Love,
       Christy

Valentine's Day....

Valentine's Day... A day that is supposed to be spent with your significant other...
    Or, as some are painfully aware... A reminder that one is "lacking" a significant other....
The question is.... how can one person "lack" something if God has seen fit to not allow it?  Can you "lack" a significant other?  This year I have been really challenged in my own heart to open my eyes and look around me... and I've realized a couple of things...
   First - I'm really and truly blessed.  I have a loving mother and father who support me and want me to be all that God wants me to be.  I have wonderful siblings and amazing friends.  Who am I to complain?  Or question where God has me? 
  Second, who knows what tomorrow may bring?  What if I've wasted the time that could have been spent being with and enjoying those who are in my life today and something happens and I don't get a second chance? 
   And lastly, God is Love.  He is my Everything.  Isaiah says, "For your husband is your Maker, Whose name is the Lord of hosts; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, who is called the God of all the earth." (Isaiah 54:5)  If I truly believe that, then I am most definitely not lacking in anything.
   So, today, I just want to encourage you all to love your Heavenly Father.  He always gives good gifts to His children.  And love those who are in your life today.    They may not be there tomorrow....

In His Love,
   Christy

A Chapter In the Life of a Morbid Murderess.... The Flat Prince

Once upon a time... Okay, so it was earlier this week, but you are killing my grove!
   As I was saying, Once upon a time, on a cold and rainy night, a princess was riding home in her scarlet carriage..... Okay, okay, so I was driving home in my car.  But it's a reddish color and a girl can dream, right?  Anyway - quit interrupting my story, Alyssa!  It's my story and I can tell it how I want to.
   As I was saying, a princess - we will call her Jasmine - was going home on a dark and stormy night.  Suddenly, from the edge of the road, she saw him.... coming towards her.  She tried to stop her carriage, but to no avail!  Before Jasmine knew what had happened, she had run over the frog.  "Oh no!" she thought.  "What if that was my Prince Charming?  Does this mean that I'm never going to get married?"  In great distress, she rapidly called her best friend, Rose, and sobbed out the whole tragic tale.  Rose was stunned.  Jasmine and Rose had spent many hours planning their weddings and looking at dresses; discussing character qualities they were interested in and how tall the gentleman had to be.  Was Jasmine's future now ruined?  What to do now?  Neither of them knew, but decided that they would have to get together later on that week to discuss options.
   Poor Jasmine.... Life continued, but she was heartbroken... Was her future really ruined?  She knew you couldn't always trust to magic spells, but it happened before, so why not?  She kept telling herself that not all men got turned into frogs by envious dwarfs.  The weather continued to be dark and tempestuous, just like her soul.  The sun came out occasionally, but always it was quickly swallowed up by the grey and stormy clouds of uncertainty.
  One night, as she was again driving home, she turned on the radio.  Turning it up, she sang along to "My Wish."  As she came around a bend, she saw him standing there, waiting for her.  Her heart jumped into her throat.  "This," she thought, "This is my chance for redemption."  Smiling shyly, she started towards him.  But, before she could get to him, something got in her eye.  Blinking, she tried to get it out of her eye before she got to him.  He couldn't see her like this!  Not when they first met.  Although, when she looked at him, she felt like she had known him all her life.  But, oh no, he moved!  And suddenly, before Marie quite knew what had happened, she heard a thump, thump.  Pulling her car over, (yes, I know, I changed it from carriage to car - be quiet, Alyssa!  If you don't like my story, tell it yourself.  On your own blog!)
Anyway, as I was saying, Jamine pulled her car over.  Getting out of her car, she looked down at the road, and saw him.  The frog was flatter than a pancake.  Pulling out her phone, she rapidly called her friend Rose.  "I did it again!" she sobbed.
"What?  You did what again?" Rose asked, clearly confused.
"I ran over a frog.  He's so flat, you'd need a spatula to scrape him off of the road!"
"You mean, you killed another potential husband??"
"Yes!  I'm a Murderess!  I turn frogs into flat princes!  They should revoke my license and lock me up somewhere!"
"Okay, calm down.  Did the frog say anything to you?"
"He tried... He said, "Tell Rose I've" and then he croaked."
"You killed my prince?" Rose asked in disbelief and started sobbing.  Jasmine climbed back into her car.  Shutting her door, she laid her head on the steering wheel and sobbed.  "I'm so sorry, Rose," she said after a few minutes.
"I know you tried.  But I don't know what to say." Rose said.  "I'll call you tomorrow," she said.  "I need to think this over."
"Okay, but please, don't hate me forever," Jasmine sobbed.  "I don't think I could handle it."
"Oh, dear, I love you." Rose choked out.  "Good bye."
"Good bye," Jasmine said.  Hanging up the phone, she held her head in her hands and just cried.  Suddenly, the stillness was broken by the piercing wail of a siren.  Looking around, Jasmine saw a police car pull up behind her.  Wiping at her eyes, she looked around for a Kleenex.  Quickly blowing her nose, she tried to make herself look decent.  At a gentle knock on her window, she rolled it down.  "Yes, sir, is something wrong?" she asked.
  A young, tall gentleman leaned down and looked at her.  Shining his flashlight into the car he said,  "I was going to ask you the same question, ma'am.  It isn't safe to stay on the edge of the road here.  Too many people take these corners too fast."
  Marie sniffed and wiped at her eyes.  "I'm sorry.  I'll move on."
  "Is there something I can do to help you?" he asked, his dark eyes soft with compassion.
  "I'm afraid not," Jasmine said helplessly.  "I ran over a frog and now my prince is flat." she said, gesturing towards the road.  Turning and pointing his flashlight back down the road, he saw the flattened frog.  "But I'll be okay," Jasmine added, turning her car on.  "That is, unless, you need something else, officer?"
  "I do need your driver's license," he said.  Taking it from her, he took out a notebook and made a few notes.  Handing it back to her, he said, "You can go ma'am.  If we need anything more for the report, someone will be in touch."
  Nodding, she watched him walk back to the car.  Looking over her shoulder for any traffic, she pulled back into the road and headed home.  When she was almost home, her phone rang.
  "Hello, Rose," she said, answering it.  "You okay?"
  "I'll be okay.  You?"
  "Well, a cop showed up.  So who knows, you may have to visit me in some dark dungeon, where I'll be rotting in a dark, damp cell."
  "Oh, you poor thing," Rose said.  "Do you really think you will be arrested?"
  "I don't know," Jasmine said.  "All I know is that I'm feeling morbid, a murderess, and I've flattened two princes this week.

   What's that - does this story ever end?  Well, I don't know.... it only happened this week.  I could end up in a dungeon.  But who knows, I could end up in a small apartment with five cats - a confirmed old maid but the favorite with the children.  :0)   After all, this is only a chapter.  Guess you will have to wait and see what happens to The Morbid Murderess.  Now, if ONLY the police officer really had come to the car....

The following is a poem that I wrote almost 4 years ago that I thought I would share with y'all today.

Someday

Someday we will walk together, you and I.

Someday I'll serve you with joy by your side.

Someday you will lead me along the way.

One day my Someday will become our today.

But, until our Someday, I want you to know

I love you right now though your face is unknown.

May God carry my love, Dear, across the countryside,

Blow it into your heart like the whisper of a butterfly.

I look at the moon and think of you,

And pray for the love that will someday come true.

I will cherish you always, my darling, my prince.

While God writes our story, a precious romance.

Someday we will be together, as God planned.

And Someday I'll follow you to the end.

I pray for our Someday Today

And one day my Someday

Will become our Today.