Sometimes the rain comes, but the sun is not far my friends

So, I haven't updated my blog much lately, even though there has been quite a lot going on. This is because although a lot of the stuff has been great (being with friends, Christmas with family, shopping, great things happening at work...), a lot of not so great things have been happening too. A lot of things that are building up to knock me down and humble me, and make me stronger. A lot of things I would rather not share here. I will say though, that every time I have sat down to write a blog post it has come out desperate or depressing, or both. It's just one of those seasons for me, friends. And as hard as it is, I will rejoice when I have these struggles, because it builds character & perserverence (according to an excerpt from my favorite book of all time - ask me about it if you'd like!). But please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I walk through this challenging time. I also want to invite you to join me in welcoming the new year. My wish is that we all look to the New Year to improve something. To make a change. To take a step. To reach a goal. The promise of a new year is similar to a cleansing. Let us all look toward 2010 as a way of cleansing ourselves from the things that have brought us down, the things that have proved a struggle for us, and the things that we can learn from and use to grow.

I leave this wish for you, and also lend some words for anyone who is finding themselves in that valley like I am, where the rain just keeps beating you down. You will rise to the mountain, and maybe next year is the year that you do it.

Even though the journey's long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who's gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I've been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God

As I travel on the road
That You have lead me down
You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I have need for nothing more
Oh, now that I have found
That You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me

I confess from time to time
I lose my way
But You are always there
To bring me back again

Sometimes I think of where it is I've come from
And the things I've left behind
But of all I've had, what I possessed
Nothing can quite compare
With what's in front of me
With what's in front of me

mhmmmmmm... life is good.

Ok, so sometimes we are reminded of greatness when greatness shines on our life in seemingly not great or dramatic ways.

Like when friends come together.
Like when laughter flows like a river.
Like when prayers are answered.
Like when someone shares good news.
Like when someone shares.
Like when new people come into your life.
Like when old people come back into your life.
Like when people surprise you.
Like when you learn something new about a friend.
Like when you are overjoyed by something small.
Like when you are given peace.

All of these have happened to me in the past few days. And I now am just resting in peace and joy. This week has been crazy. Younglife planning meeting, getting the apartment ready for our party tomorrow, small group Wednesday, small group Thursday, passing out at work, getting the dog ready for 'weekend at grandmas.' But despite all the craziness, I AM NOT STRESSED OUT. Me. I am not stressed out. This is really weird for me. I am always stressed out. But I have been drawing closer to God, and ... gasp... giving up my control!!! It is beautiful and peaceful, and reassuring!

As I posted before I realized I had one of those mentor-type women that I was looking for. And today... well let's just say another one may have dropped into my lap in a very great and surprising way.

Also, with all the running around I do trying to keep up with many different friends in the area, they are all coming to me!! Tomorrow I will have 20 of my closest friends in the area over my apartment to share in the Christmas holiday! Ugly sweaters, potluck dinner, white elephant, christmas music... hmmm... great.

The laughter has been throughout the week, and I expect no shortcomings going into tomorrow. Not only do ugly sweaters and white elephant make people laugh, but my sister and some of the funniest people I know will be there. Laughter... hmm... :-)

One of my girlfriends got engaged! I was welcomed into someone's home and fed and loved. I was given a ride home which was by ALL DEFINITIONS an inconvenience, but a joyful one, as I learned more about the joy of love and selfless action.

I have met some great girls this week. I also just got an email from someone at work that I am excited to get to know. Again... joy.

Some of the people I have shared the most with in life have resurfaced. I am speaking about two people specifically, but just love that you can sit down and be with someone as if nothing has changed over the years. mhmmm...

My younglife friends have taken ownership of their club! That is so great to see. To see the joy and enthusiasm as they plan it, they start brewing ideas... just encouraging!

All in all, I have had a complete transformation from last week to this week, and I love it. It has created me into more of the person that I want to be, and less into the person who runs from God in sinfulness. And now my job is to take all that fulfillment, all that joy, all that peace, all that love, and send it out.

Yea, life is good.