We have "approval"!

So some of you know that Ben and I have wanted to be married for a while now, or at least wanted to begin the process of preparing for marriage. There have been various snags along the way and various things that we've had to say, okay put on the breaks. Last night, Ben and I met with the intern director and we presented out plan... In six months we want to begin pre-engagement counseling, a few months after that, engagement and pre-marital preprarations, for a marriage targeted in about June of 2o09. We halfway expected a huge NO because of it's impact on the other interns, or expected life situation at that point (grad school/jobs, etc) all of those thoughts and concerns. Instead we were pleasantly surprised with a warm approval and blessing from Brad. Praise the Lord! We are now super excited to spend the next 6 months dating each other and learning more about each other, before planning full force for our lives together. So everyone, I don't want to say "mark your calendars
" yet, but do be aware that in June 2009 there may be a significant celebration happening around here!

Busyness

Busyness is the tyrant of reflection. The last week has been super jam packed. I'm super exhausted but filled with a new passion and zeal. I love Jesus! It's always good when we can look through our busyness and tiredness and know that our Lord is a strong provider. I am giving thanks this day.

Praying against fear

Todays prayer was challenging us to remove a fear that would keep us from receiving the Lord's forgiveness. "We set aside every foolish thought that we are not wanted, of that You (God) cannot bear our presence." I think this is challenging because it is hard to trust that the Lord has cleansed me (Psalm 51) and that when He does a work it is done. Praise the Lord for his Grace and for his redeeming love that brings us close to Him.

Also today, the call is to pray for youth in the city, that they would be transformed and grow into leaders of the city. I continue this prayer that has been my prayer for nearly 2 years.

Praying for: Men of the city

This day was a call to pray for faithful men of the city. When I first read this, I thought, OMG, I do not want to pray for men, what have they done anyway? Then the importance of praying for men caught me--how many kids do I know with stable father figures? How many kids look up to their male teachers and hang on to their every words because they have no father in the household? And how many mothers do I know who have been hurt by their sons, either intentionally or by omission? Yes, righteous and faithful men are much needed in the city. I do pray for men, that God would raise up mighty men who are faithful to their families and will advocate for justice and not give in to the overwhelming, consuming nature of our society. I pray for iconoclast men--who say money, sex, and drugs are not happiness and are willing to fight and stand up to these forces which seek to kill and destroy their families and their own lives.

Lent: Prayers and Reflections to come...

So this is super fat tuesday. The tuesday of the election and the tuesday before Lent.

This Lenten season, I will be joining my church and community in praying for the city. Each day we will pray for a specific people group in the city, for a specific region in the world, and through a specific verse for personal reflection. I've decided in addition to a modified fast (Daniel's fast), I will also be reflecting on the prayers and topics in my blog. I hope that you enjoy the future posts and enjoy seeing what God is doing in this city and around the world!

Updates

I had a wonderful weekend (and it's still Sunday!) I think there is something to be said for rest. Many people know the benefits of rest. I am still discovering them it seems. Friday I got a hair cut--just basically a trim and re-layering (so don't expect anything new). And I worked for a little while. Then after lunch with Ben and taking care of a few details, I packed off to Riverside. A great weekend of just hanging out with my sister--eating some tasty food (that she cooked!) and watching lost. Saturday morning we went to San Pedro and went sailing (or at least attempted to sail). I got really sick and pucked a bunch of times over the side. Yuk. But when we got to smooth water I was totally fine (but starving!). We went to a cute little diner in Long Beach. It was fun. Unfortunately after driving 60 miles home, I realized I forgot my work computer in Riverside! Oh no! Luckily I have some great friends who are willing to go a little out if their way to help me out.

In short it was great. I am painting/cleaning/reading/prepping for Acts today. Should be a great day!