A Second Engagement Party?

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A few months ago, when my good friends Rob and Stephanie got engaged, a bunch of us went out to their favorite bar and had a celebration. It has come about that that was apparently not enough. Their families arranged a huge celebration that we went to tonight.

It was a good time, good company, good food, and I even brought my camera. Although, I didn't pull it out to take any pictures until just as we were about to leave. I got some good ones though.....

And here they are:

"The Guys" (Minus the groom)


Richie and Elvis talking


"Huh?"


Pat and Jen


Eric


Rob


Rob (getting a picture of Rob without him doing something stupid / funny in it is a rarity....)


Stephanie and Rob (The soon to be bride and groom)

We know multiple couples in the process of getting married right now it seems. Some also who have recently gotten married, too. It's been a crazy year for that it seems. So, for all of them, I just want to end this post with the following verse:

"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. ""

- Mark 10:6-9

** Update : German Christmas? **

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We just purchased tickets for a German Christmas. hehehe

Excellent.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
have the wisdom to show restraint.

Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

- Proverbs 23:4-5

German Christmas?

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It's starting to look like Lilly and I will be having a German Christmas this year. Lilly's pretty homesick and, to be honest, there are some really good reasons to go. So, even though we're not sure how to pay for it all, we're starting the process to get tickets. We've gotten a little help, and it looks like it's going to be possible somehow.

We've actually been praying a lot about Germany and its roll in our futures. We wondered intensely a few days ago if we might be making a mistake by being here instead of there, and so we prayed about it and waited for God's response. We didn't get a startlingly clear one at first, but we did both come to decide it was probably more logical to be here. (Many factors helped this: Job, Money, etc...) After we concluded that God probably wanted us to be here, we realized that the real problem was that we needed to go to Germany to visit pretty soon. We have just been gone too long. (especially for Lilly!) Then some things happened that conspired to make us realize that visiting instead of moving is the absolutely correct choice. I believe the timing of these things really confirmed God's will for us on this, too. It's the right thing to continue living here for the moment.

But, we still need to visit, and so, tentatively, I announce: We're planning to go to Germany this Christmas! Yay!!!!

What a Difference a Year Makes...

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I couldn't let this go by without noting it:

It was that I went to Germany to meet Lilly for the first time. Now

So much has changed in that year...hehehe

Worries Aplenty

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Lately, I've been under a lot of stress. Demand at work has been kind of dry, and so I've been working even harder than normal to create a new product for us to sell.The problem is that we have a very limited time to start bringing money in before the company runs out of money. Of course, then I can't pay my bills...

The bills have been overwhelming the last few months, too. There was all the immigration stuff and the wedding at first. That put us into a bad position, but then we had our truck stolen. Now, we're in the final month of our lease (which is always ~$200 more than the rest of it), and they're raising our rent on the next lease ~$50 more per month.

In the midst of all this comes the current crisis at work. It's difficult to decide what to do sometimes because of it. Do we resign the lease? Do we look elsewhere? We would like to find another place, especially after all the security crap over the last few months, but we just don't have the time to look for one right now. Especially so since we don't have as much certainty as normal with the job thing.

We pray together each day, and often I find myself wondering the same thing: "God, are you providing for us today?" I think talking about asking the question is sometimes tougher than trying to answer it. I know the answer: He does. I've seen Him provide so much before. How could I doubt Him now? But the fact remains that I am a selfish, instant gratification seeking human being. I want everything right now! Why isn't God giving me what I want right away!?!?!

One thing that has been becoming clear to me lately though is the need for solitary prayer. Please do not misunderstand me. I do not mean at all that I should not pray with my wife. Far be that from the truth. The time we spend together in prayer with the Lord is very important, and is a part of our daily lives. But, the problem is that since we got married, I haven't spent so much time in isolated solitary prayer myself. In other words, I used to get up and get ready for work, and then, just before leaving, I would sit or kneel and pray for awhile. I slacked off on this a bit because we started using that time together for prayer. I'm starting to realize the importance of still having that time with just God and myself. Lilly and I know the importance of praying together, but I don't think I realized that praying both ways was so vital every day. Even if only for a few moments. Christ's relationship with us is not just with US, but also with EACH of us. So, I think that's something I need to start working on a little bit.

It occurs to me that a lot of my problem is in not knowing God's plan for my life, for our lives. And that is a large part of why I become so apprehensive when things seem to be going out of wack. That's why I've been so afraid lately (I have been) of someone breaking in after we discovered that attempt on our apartment. It's why I get so stressed about whether or not we have money, and so quick to remember all the times it has been so close. You know, if I have a need for the next month of $386.49 (a random number), God knows it. In the meantime, when God provides that exact amount, I get scared because I don't realize yet that that's exactly how much I'll need. Sometimes, it seems like I suffer through a time of not having the money at all. Later though, it always seems that I look back and can't remember those specific times as they become insignificant in the provisions that the Lord provides in the future. Where is my faith, I wonder?

The really krass thing is that, when I read the scripture, I don't see God promising anywhere that I'll be rich, but I still find myself often expecting it, even complaining about it when it doesn't happen. How does He forgive me for such obstinately arrogant behavior?

He does forgive me though. And, in that forgiveness and that grace comes the that I really do have to look forward to. That hope being in the .

I would continue, but my wife is waiting patiently now for me in bed... She is a wonderful blessing in my life that God has bestowed upon me, and, when I have trouble remembering how He provides, I am reminded each day by her. I waited a long long time wondering if and when He would provide her for me, not knowing whom she would be. I am delighted with His choice...It was worth all the waiting... :-D

~Goodnight...

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.

- Romans 8:18-19