4.03.2012

just say yes

Whew - this weekend was a whirlwind {which does not excuse my absence} but a really awesome change took place in me that really required my focus in the little free time I had {plus, I was debating whether or not to say anything about it here in the bloggity-blog world and every time I sat down to do a post.. it kept coming back to this topic}. To be honest, I was am nervous to share this piece.

So, what is this awesome change you ask? No, I didn't win the lottery, get preggers or hang out with Oprah.

However, this past week I started saying, "Yes, Lord. I'll go where you want me."

OK, so newsflash: I've always said no. He called. I said later. He pushed. I pushed back. My excuses were always the same: I don't have time, that's not my strength, I don't want to, that's not big enough to matter, etc. I always felt crippled in my walk with Christ but it was because I refused to get up and take that first step.

A few weeks ago I went to this amazing conference in SC at a church called Newspring. It was so awesome and really forced me to look in the mirror and ask some tough questions: where are your priorities? What are you allowing God to do in your life? This is where I figured it out, I was ALWAYS saying no to Him. I had a list of excuses as long as Lohan's rap sheet.  This is also where I realized my huge desire to move to some far off land had completely disappeared {say what?!}.

--interlude-- Now yall don't know this, but the desire to move was a desire that ran my life, caused fights between Mike and I, and almost always left me feeling worthless. It was something I wanted so bad that I would threaten to just 'go alone' if I had to {Um.. hello.. horrible thing to be telling your husband in the first few months of marriage.. talk about a being a jerk}. Yikes! --end interlude--

That trip I decided to say 'Yes. I'll stop saying no.'

I realized something was up. What are you orchestrating God? What's going on? I stood confused. I knew changes were in the horizon but I had no idea what they were going to look like. I felt this deep desire to be more involved, to pour into women and to take lead. Yup, even more confused. BUT I felt like a huge weight had been lifted. I had been pushing back, running, refusing for so long. I finally felt free, satisfied and at ease.

Then the confusion became clear, things fell into place and a new adventure is starting.

Sometimes we say no, sometimes we are scared, sometimes we want to take small, safe steps. But sometimes, God calls us to say yes, go the path of the unknown and take the plunge -- to have faith and lean on Him, Him alone. The outcome He has planned is FAR greater than we can ever imagine. It will be the ride of a lifetime.
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So, the 'yeses' -- I am going to be leading my Tuesday night group that consists of the most amazing, precious women. This totally terrifies be because our previous leader, Mallory, is the most amazing, awesomest, coolest, smartest gal eva. But, I'm already seeing the amazing things God has in store for her, myself and this amazing group of women. Super excited!

Also, I finally said yes to co-leading at church in the area that I serve. This was something I had been saying 'no' to ohhhh for over a year now. Yeah, about time. I know.

And, I know so much more is in store.


---- Congrats for reading the longest blog post ever without pictures. You win the awesome reader award! ----

10 comments:

  1. That is so awesome and courageous! I commend you for saying "yes"! It's not always easy to do!

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  2. What an amazing thing you are doing!!! We are going to begin going to a small group and I am very excited!!

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  3. I love you!!! You're going to awesome tonight (and of course every other Tuesday night that you lead!). I can't wait to see what else God has in store for you, sweet friend.

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  4. Just wonderful!! I'm super proud of you and know you are going to rock some awesome Jesus each and every Tuesday!!! :) Way to go, doll!!!!!! ;)

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  5. Yayyy for saying "Yes"! It's hard sometimes to say yes to God because we like to remain in our comfort zones. But God has a better plan and once we allow him to comfort us and give us peace, we can step out into some amazing things! Good luck!

    http://semoore2.blogspot.com

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  6. ugh, i wish you would stop blogging already. or at least until i get back to the states when i can see you whenever i want. this whole blog of yours makes me miss you TOO MUCH!!!!!!! wah. oh well, at least i get to see you NEXT MONTH! whaaaaaaaaaat!?!?!?!?!?!? love you, always :)

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  7. Your comment, 'I had a list of excuses as long as Lohan's rap sheet.' made me LOL at my desk. HAHA! Well I wish you the best of course, but will miss you dearly on Monday's... Sigh... You are going to be an awesome leader! Love you lots!!! xoxo A-

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  8. Yay for you, Celeste!! And, what an inspirational post!! Thanks for the reminder that I need to say "yes" more often too.

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  9. That's really awesome! Your blog is just adorable, I'm from N.C. too!!

    Your newest follower Ashton from
    http://wearefromthecountry.blogspot.com/

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  10. Cess, I'm so proud of you for becoming a leader and using your gifts to accomplish what He wants you to do. You are an amazing Christian woman and you are truly an inspiration to those of us who read your posts! Keep on being you. Thanks for sharing.

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