follow peace.

on christmas morning of last year, i woke up, looked at the snow falling outside, and knew this year would be significant somehow.

and i was right.

every day is significant, i know. but i think i've learned more this year than in the 26 others put together.

....and if i was asked to sum up all i've learned, my bit of advice would be two words: follow peace....

when we choose our own way, times will be hard, but we'll sure learn a lot. we'll learn the hard way and we'll never, ever forget it.

more than anything, i've learned more of what love looks like. it's sacrifice. it's truth. it's putting your needs above his own.

Love is a man named Jesus.

if anyone speaks in the name of love but doesn't display any characteristics of Love Himself, don't buy it 'cause it won't last. this world's version of love is cheap and temporary, and true love is unconditional and eternal.

so tonight, i'm thankful for all the ones in my life who are real... and who have shown me so much love i can hardly stand it.

and i'm thankful for the One who gives Christmas its name and who has made me as pure as snow over and over... again and again.

so, here's my personality.

i just got back from the Designer Genes get-together at church tonight. as if i didn't already know, i'm a full blown phlegmatic, and...

*i like avoiding conflict and keeping peace.

*i need to feel worthy and understood.

*i need emotional support.

*i hate making decisions.

*i like a dry sense of humor.

*even when i'm excited about something, i don't always show my enthusiasm.

*i have a hidden will of iron.

*i'm very friendly but i'm an introvert.

*i hate personal confrontation. i'd almost rather die.

*i like people who will make decisions for me, who recognize my strengths, and who will not ignore me. (amen!)

*i dislike people who are too pushy and expect too much of me. (double amen!)

*i am inoffensive.

*i should learn to face my own problems as well as i handle other people's problems.

*i'm recognized by my calm approach.

*i'm much better at listening than talking.

*i usually doubt people more than i believe them.

...just in case you needed to know how to better deal with me. :)

no, but on a more serious note, i believe when we invite the Holy Spirit to come in and begin changing us, He can change our personalities for the better. sure, i hate confrontation, but i'm praying He'll give me the grace to be confrontational when it's necessary. i'm also praying for boldness and a confidence of who i am in Christ. and i want grace for people who were made to be different than me.