Peace, Patience, and Perspective

Well, unless you have been living under a rock for the past two weeks, you will be aware that I am now an engaged woman :) It's funny the way the excitement of it works. Because you immediately get thrown back into life (where you would THINK that the world would cease it's formal ways and celebrate for at LEAST a year!), and you find yourself doing something meaningless at work and wondering if you should be excited ALL THE TIME! Alas, it doesn't work like that. The fact is, there are only a handful of people on this earth that actually know of our news, and while their excitement and congratultions is lovely and so well received, the rest of the world does go on, and we must too.
But every now and then we stop, and remember what we have actually done, and what we will be doing...and oh, my heart bursts for a moment or two. It is so exciting, and so emotional, and so spiritual, and I just honestly had absolutely no idea what this would be like.
He exceeded my expectations is who he was as a person, and then as a friend, and then as a boyfriend, and I am now learning that he is doing it once again as my fiance.

So it will be a busy few months. We leave for Thailand in under 2 weeks (oh MY GOODNESS!), then the engagement party, my 21st, Mum and Dad moving house, the wedding (did you hear that?!), then ME moving from my new house into J's. Overwhelming? Just a tad.
Here's the thing; I don't want to get too caught up in the wedding and forget about that marriage. And I don't want to get too caught up in the marriage and forget about God.
Because yes, this is an incredible time. One of excitement and planning and fun and nervousness and more planning. But God knew this was going to happen. He knows what will happen when we have our first child too. And when we will lose someone close to us. And what we will have for dinner in 2 years time on the 29th of October. And whether we will bank with ANZ or Commonwealth. This is just something else in our lives. One of the trillion and one things that will happen in this life. And then there will be eternity. With our God. I don't want to lose sight of that bigger picture, because that is what will keep me with the right perspective.

So, I shall continue to take deep breaths, and do random little "I'm getting married!" jigs, and love my fiance the best I can, and go to work, take a holiday, move a few houses, celebrate a few birthdays, and serve my Father. Oh yes sirree ;)

What would happen...

...if I made the decision to be strong. If I made a stand and declared that in Jesus name I will resist the temptation, and be victorious.

What would happen if I understood that this problem had already been solved, that Jesus had already defeated the enemy, and that my purpose and way in life was already clear.

Is it truely possible for me to do this? Why does it seem like something I cannot grab hold of?

Jesus is Lord of all. He is Victorious and His way is always right. The arm is stretched out, I just need to take it.

Sister

My sister has just started reading my blog (not that there has been much to read of late!), and it got me thinking yesterday about whether it would change the way I wrote or the things I write about.
Lauren and I have a funny relationship. We love each other to pieces, which is apparent most of the time, yet we both irritate the absolute crap out of each other aswell. Not that funny I suppose, as I'm guessing most sisters would be the same!

We are both so very different, yet I think very alike in ways we wish not to admit ;) Since she got married 3 years ago, we have become quite protective over each other. Lauren would be known as the stubborn one, but when it comes to each other...we both have a fierce love which has seen her rushing to my side when I had a minor car accident, and me becoming a little too passionate and perhaps a tad defensive/protective when Lauren and her hubby have a slight row (apparently I need to remember that I am always just hearing Laurens side!).

As we both grow up, our relationship grows too. She is no longer the big sister who gets everything her own way, and I am (hopefully!) no longer the nagging little sister. She is someone I know will always be there. She is someone who I will go to when I need help, or advice, or just a hug. And most importantly, she is someone I will always call when I just need to go shopping! :P

I hope and pray that our relationship just continues to strengthen and we allow this special connection to become something we rely on, and something we cherish. And I have just had a little burst of blessings realising that knowing she reads this won't change a single thing :)

How does it work...

That in one day, the nation gambled 35 million dollars on large animals running around in a circle...


while half the population of the world lived on only two dollars?

Family Favs

P.S: I got the job :) But most of you know that already!

P.P.S: Photography by James Burke @ www.jamesburke.com.au ;);)
(Even the one he is in! Oh, what a talented boy)

Random

How spunky is that boy? :)
I am one blessed girl.

The interview last friday went really well. I hear on Wednesday if I get it. I REALLY hope I get it :P Though most of you will be aware of that by now ;)
I will be okay if I don't though *nods* God has plans. Good ones :)

And I have achieved so much with coming this far. Taking the initiative and the step to actually apply for the position when I didn't have to, and then going through two interviews with two different people. I never would have been able to do that

a few years ago. Actually I was thinking back to when I had my interview with Payless, and
am just amazed at the two completely different people of how I was in my Payless interview four
years ago, to how I have conducted myself in these ones. You just can't say that God doesn't transform when you look at my life.

J is booked for Thaliand :) It feels good knowing he is coming. Mind you, I am still petrified! But perhaps just on a lesser scale now ;) It will be wonderful to have him there, and I wouldn't want it any other way...now that we have grown together as a couple. I just wouldn't want to experience it without him.

We have family photos on Sunday. I will post my fav's soon :)

I will report with news when I have news!

Shoe Woman

Considering I've posted three blogs in the last week, it's surprising I haven't mentioned any of the following news!

• I have finished my massage course. No you are not on candid camera, nor is there a new holiday called "October Fools Day". I have finished it. And it feels GOOD! And the point of the course was reached, that being that I now know whether I want to pursue Massage Therapy as a career, and I don't. So I will work my butt off up until Thailand, have a life changing experience over there, and come home hopefully with some idea of what I'm wanting to do from then.

• Speaking of work, I did get a call back from Williams, and I went for an interview with the Manager last Thursday. It went extremely well, and I heard back today. I have a second interview with the district manager on Friday at 9.30am.
  EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
  I was stressing my little behind off all day until I heard. As in, I cried in the movie J and I saw...not because it was moving, but because I was so worried I wouldn't get a call! As much as I told myself not too, I think I have convinced myself I will get the job. It all just seems to fit so perfectly together and God has been opening doors left, right and centre and I do REALLY want it. I am generally rather blase when it comes to big things like this, and pretty much put it in God's hands and leave it there. I can want something, but am not desperate for it. This? I am desperate for. I want it with a passion. And to tell you truth...it's kind of nice to want something like this so much. I just need to remember that I still need and must put it in God's hands, and ask that His will be done...whatever that is. And leave it at that.
  
  I am just so ready to leave Payless. I have had enough of the politics and the people and the completely random hours. And yeah, I know I'm going to get the politics no matter what company I'm in, so don't go rainin' on my parade...I know, I know :P

• I have no more points. I thought I had more than that. Oh well...that'll do pig, that'll do.