Rich and Sweet

It's my 28th birthday and I'm having the best one yet. I have a feeling that this is going to be a really good year! :) I'm so thankful for a fiance who's such a perfect gift from God to me. God has been so good to send me someone who is so perfectly made for me.

Sharon is a vessel of grace to me - she knows my faults and my shortcomings yet she loves me anyways. I'm blown away by it! She surprised me this morning by showing up at the apartment so we could spend a little time together before she had to teach at her school. It was so special, and will be a cherished memory.

Here's a picture we took recently. I'm so in love with Sharon!

Tentatively, Sharon and I are planning to get married on March 22, 2008, in Virginia Beach, VA. We would love to see you there!

Here's a picture from after Sharon's sister, Laura's, wedding. Isn't Sharon beautiful!?!

From the wire....

It's official: Sharon and I are going to get married. We went on a hike in Boulder, CO, had a little discussion, and the rest is, as they say, history. Sweet!

It was really cool - the time, the place, the ring, the girl - but that's all you need to know. Enjoy the pictures!

Crushingly Sweet

This year has been crushingly sweet. There have been SO many challenges and difficulties, yet through them all Christ has been so sweet and real to me. I could list everything, but that would bore you. Financially, God has seen me through, and provided in amazing, miraculous ways. Personally, I've had to face so many fears, insecurities, and inadequacies, but these challenges have drawn me to the One who loves me unconditionally. I'm so thankful, and I'm truly learning what it means to say, "God is good - all the time!"

One of God's GOOD gifts to me this year has been Sharon. Our relationship has been amazing but the best part is how it has focused both of us towards finding greater and greater satisfaction in our relationship with Christ. As Sharon and I grow together in love, we have drawn so much closer to Christ. God's design for this stuff is amazing!

Photography

James and Laura

I've also been doing a bit more photography with Jed. We did a photo shoot for James & Laura (Congratulations, you guys! Aug 11 '07 Wedding) last Saturday that was really fun. I had a great time with them and enjoyed getting some great shots.

Sharon and Lydia came along for moral support, too. They were more interested in the photographers than anything, really. But I don't think the photographers cared too much. :))

2 month blur

So, I guess I haven't updated this in awhile. I'll blame it on dating - Sharon and I have been dating two months now and have been a bit, um, occupied. So, I'm not going to let you in on everything but I will tell you that I think Sharon is an awesome girl. The rest is between the two of us. I will include some pictures, though, since I happen to have some.

Coffee with Sharon

Hiking in the Appalachians

Photos @ the Hermitage

New Activities

Hi Sharon. Thanks for taking a ferry ride with me - even though it was freezing!

a night at the mission

The cacophony of sounds was astounding. The men around me were choking out strains of "The Old Rugged Cross" and most were doing more choking than singing. Some knew the song; I tried in vain to help out. Alcohol could be smelled faintly along with the multiplicity of other smells. The preacher was uncomfortable, nervous, shifty. This was not his home turf, and he knew it. His suit, tie, and silver tie-chain fit the environment like Martha Stewart in a jail cell. The text was John 10; the Bible version, unintelligible. I doubt many of the men had heard 'thee's and 'thou's before tonight unless they were 'regulars.' It was my first night at the mission, and I was sitting in the crowd watching.

I trust God was glorified tonight - the power of the Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit, have nothing to do with a weak preacher, an out-of-tune piano, or an inebriated audience. Christ was proclaimed as the Son of God, as witnessed through the miracles he performed while on earth.

I couldn't help but wonder how often our 'church-eese' and 'Christianityosity' [awkward word - but used for effect] cloud our vision and keep us from really ministering credibly to those we serve. We utilize such things as a 1600's era Bible and jargon that most don't understand. God can and does work through us - but could we be more effective?

a frigid gift

I'm posting from CO - at home with my family. It's very cold - it was 1 F when we drove through Denver early this AM - but it's awesome to be home. We surprised our mom, which was a surprise in and of itself, since we all had made our fair share of blunders in trying to keep it a secret. This is simpy a gift from God. We could not have done this except for God's provision to allow us to come out here. What a gift to be able to spend time with our family and friends, sharing how God has worked. I praise my savior for this one little demonstration of God's love for me.

Bible Translations

I wrote my paper for Systematic 401 on Gender-Inclusive Bible versions. I was evaluating whether these are 'acurate' or whether they should be considered 'mis-translations.' I am going to try to attach the file here so that you can read my report yourself. It's too long to post just here.

shots from the Outer Banks

my awesome sisters beth & jenni

the five of us on Ocracoke Ferry

mi hermano samuel (comprendes tu?)

mi otro hermano jed en la playa

stairwell spiral at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

11 o'clock news

Here's a run down of life since July - seeing how I haven't posted since then.

*started working for FedEx as a courier
*began studying again towards Master of Divinity degree with CBTS
*learned an alternate throw for disc golf
*realized that I have SO many new friends out here in VA Beach
*read over 2500 pages for class
*finished one semester in seminary
*took a TON of photos
*attended one Penn State game with cool friends
*enjoyed a whirlwind tour of DC and the Outer Banks with my sisters and brothers
*celebrated Christmas away from home but with new 'family'

sleepless

So here I am, updating my blog b/c I can't sleep. I guess this is the only time I have for something like this. I've been trying to figure out how to get this photo to be on my profile, but it's a lost cause for me right now. I'll try one more time and then forget it - it isn't that important. I should be less of a perfectionist and just get it done.