September 30th,2011

Life has been so entirely full. I have meant to post several times over the past year but was just too caught up in life that I didn't have time...I guess that is a good thing.

This past week at Bible Study we were talking about one of Satan's greatest tactics is getting us to believe that God's plans for us are not GOOD.

I am ashamed to say that that is probably one of the greatest ways the devil has tried to lie to me. I believed God had a plan and He was working it for my good but could not believe that I would actually enjoy it. I think I thought God had the same pick as my Elementary PE teacher. When the Square-Dancin

g unit (yes, I am from Nebraska) came around I NEVER liked my partner and we were always most awkward and I just cooperated to get the best grade I could. Over the past couple of years God has done a revolutionizing work in my heart and mind accepting that not only did God have a plan for me but it was GOOD (not just working for my good). It is a plan not just for who I was to marry but for my life.

Over the past several months God has brought someone into my life whom I would have CHOSEN - not been assigned to and I love it!

Here is a post I wished to have posted September 30th:

Landen,

There is so very much I want to tell you! It's been so long since we've got to talk and so much to catch up on but I will start with the most recent. Last night 'the man of my dreams' asked me to marry him! Can you believe it? Miracles never cease!!!

You would love him, I know you would because there are many things about him that remind me of you! Actually, you met him when you were here to visit...only for a minute...but I am sure you found him kind and jovial. His name is Jason. I've enjoyed working with him over the past few years. I love his heart for God and for people. We have so much fun together. He loves coffee! He incredibly fits every quality I wrote down like you told me to do. Mom says that we fit "hand in glove"! We went home to spend time with mom and dad in OK and MO (of course...haha) and we missed you. I almost didn't want to make the trip because I knew you were not going to be there but in some strange way it was ok. Not that Jason replaces you, he brings a sort of missing dynamic which you left. Dad was more light-hearted than I had seen since you left. It's been a tough 3 years but we're ok and looking forward to seeing you again!

So, last night...

Well, first of all let me say... Jason prepared me before my birthday that I would NOT be getting a ring for my birthday. Instead he gave to me tickets to the Frank Sinatra Tribute in Durham called, "Come Fly Away". Jason loves Frank Sinatra as well...honestly he likes Nat King Cole best but we both love the song, " Just the Way You Look Tonight". I thought that THIS would be where he proposed.

September 29th came (the day of the concert) and Justin went into labor. The doctor said that the baby could come in between 1 and 6 in the afternoon. We needed to leave at 4. I prayed that she would have the baby before and not long after the doctor said she was ready to push! I got to stay in the room and see LIFE begin it's time on earth and it's THE MOST amazing experience! Of course I cried, but who could remain dry-eyed at such a miracle? I wish you could have experienced such an amazing piece of life, however I sure by now you have seen much greater miracles!

Anyway, It was just after 2 and Jason suggested we not go to the concert. I was disappointed first of all, I wanted to go but also I thought that I was for sure wrong now! He wanted to cancel the very ordeal that I thought just may be our BIG NIGHT. I did feel torn because I wanted to stay with new little Jonas and my best friend, Justin (It has always made me so very sad that you never met her but you would think she was incredible!) YET I rushed home, showered, put some curls in my hair and my special dress from Kim's wedding. We missed our reservations because someone forgot to pull music so Jason had to get music and run it to the other campus but we still got to get a bite to eat from a place across the street from the DPAC called, "The Tobacco Road". There were fountains in the courtyard and it was the most beautiful Autumn evening.

The DPAC was filled with Big Band music and decorated in the most vibrant reds. There were so many people but it felt like it was just us. Jason bought us coffee and a giant cookie to enjoy during the performance. There were dancers who performed while the band played along with Frank's voice. Such talent! The third to the last song was, "Just the Way You Look Tonight". I knew from the intro. I smiled and looked at "the man of my dreams" (we joke about it but I mean it!) and he at me. He placed his arm around me, which seemed a little stiff or nervous, but I thought it was just because we were dressed up. Jason let the song play through a few lines then whispered,

"Larissa, do you love me?"

I said, "Yes, I love you!"

He said, "Do you love me enough to spend the rest of your life with me?"

I said, "Yes." (He's asked me these two questions before.)
He paused then said," Larissa, Will you marry me?"

I said, "Absolutely yes!" Then I paused because I recognized this had never been asked of me before by him or any other man and I just said, "yes!". Then I looked down to find the most sparkly diamond at the end of my short,

stubby ring finger. He asked me again and I answered this time with a kiss. He slid the ring on my finger. My stubby little finger has never looked so elegant!

When we got out to the car he gave me the sweetest card. Then we went to Barnes

and Noble for MORE coffee for the ride home. While waiting, I shifted my feet and fell into Jason's arms (i know, you are saying O BROTHER and laughing hysterically but not much has changed...I'm still you're old ridiculous sister!). The lady behind the counter was very concerned. I stood up, laughing and qualified myself by saying, "This is just what happens when your best friend gives birth and you get engaged all in one day!".

So much more to tell you, my dear brother and so much more to come...I miss you and wish you were here but know that I carry you in my heart! I still wear your sister ring you gave to me...on my right hand now;)

I love you forever and ever!

Larissa