up to speed.

Life is a journey, full of exploration of the heart of God.  It seems impossible to keep up with the blessings he is pouring out.  I serve and delight in a God of surprises, tenderness, unconditional love and discipline.  (I am just now learning to appreciate the discipline. Haha!)

Tides are changing here in Kona, Hawaii.  Although the system of Ywam Kona stays the same, pumping missionaries into the nations, my life has taken a turn down a marvelous path called - marriage!

Back Story - Two years ago I made a decision that would forever change the course of my life.  I chose to spend a year of my life with my eyes directly set on Jesus...with the twist of taking myself off the market of the dating scene.  I was no longer datable.  The only man I desired to be pursued by was Jesus and oh, did he steal my heart.  The year began with Jesus showing me that I could trust him.  I can't count how many times I ran away out of fear of disappointing him.  Or how many times I had to lay down my desire to be married.  He never gave up on me.  He was always patient, but gently corrected me when I was believing lies.  He revealed himself to me in such an extravagant way that I will never be the same.  For the first time in my life I didn't need an earthly man to affirm me, or tell me my identity.  I was completely and utterly consumed with the man Jesus and had discovered who I truly was.  My identity was solidified on the steadiness of Jesus' words over my life.  I found security in his eyes and safety in his arms.  He became tangible and real to me during this season.  Anytime I was alone, I felt the presence of a friend, a companion, and a lover.  I let him see the dark areas of my heart and was surprised when he didn't turn away.  He kept on loving me, romancing me, and sharing secrets.  By the time February rolled around (the conclusion of my consecration) I was ready for round two.  I didn't want my time with Jesus to end and I sure didn't want some imperfect man in my life after tasting and seeing the perfection and goodness of Jesus.  But, Jesus assured me that our relationship would only keep growing and that marriage was a gift.  He reminded me of the verse,

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass 

the glory of the Lord, 

are changed into the same image 

from glory to glory, 

even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor. 3:18)

He promised to take me from glory to glory, unveiling me, and showing me himself.  That is a promise I still cling to. When the year was over not much changed, except for being another eligible woman on the ywam base.  The only detail that profoundly mattered was that my heart and mind had been completely transformed.  

A few months later I had developed a deep friendship with a fellow staff of the school of worship, Daniel Ma.  Daniel and I were students together the previous year, with very little interaction.  We had moved into the same community house a year later, were co-leading outreaches, and began to hangout outside of "work".  He became a safe place and a close friend whose company I really enjoyed.  Long story short we developed feelings for one another and spent every day together for the past year.  (detailed his/her view of the story and proposal coming soon)  

And on September 25th my best friend got down on one knee and gave a grandeur speech, expressing his desire to spend the rest of his life for me.  Caught off guard, but full of joy, I proceeded to weep before the Lord before I said yes to the man of my dreams.  The moment I had been dreaming of for many years had finally come and it was even better than I could have imagined.  God is a perfect match-maker.  If I could add a heart-piece for you royal daughters who are reading this...stop trying to write your own love story, God writes the best ones.  You will end up disappointed by trying to fit all the puzzle pieces together.  Let God connect the dots and wait patiently as he reveals the masterpiece of a man he has for you.  God's gifts are always perfect and well thought out.  So, put the pens down, put on your blinders that keep you from having peripheral vision, and fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.  

Daniel is a lifelong gift given by a good Father.  Though Daniel lacks in perfection (as do all humans) I delight in his character, passion, and deep love for God.  He resembles Jesus in such a way that it takes me off guard sometimes.  I am eternally grateful for this man.  He brings out the best in me and finds joy in my quirks and our differences.  He listens when I'm upset, leads me to Jesus when my vision is blurred, prays over me when I'm sleeping, reminds me time and time again who I am when I've forgotten, and pursues me like a man in the desert pursues water.  The love I have for him is deeper than anything I've known.  I am overjoyed to spend the rest of my life with him.  The adventures ahead are unimaginable.  The stretching as two become one, a graceful and ravishing dance.