Engagement Pics

Being the wonderful, charming, sensitive, romantic, and thoughtful gent that I am (yeah right!), I had set up an appointment for engagement pictures before I asked Lydia to marry me. That was one of those easy things to cancel if she said no! ;-)

So, the Saturday after Valentine's Day, we went down to the local portrait studio and had a few shots made. It was quite the fun! Not really. For those who do know me, know that I don't care too much for having photos taken of me, and I really don't like some of the crazy poses they want you to do.

The poor lady was at a loss of what to do - determined that she needed 6 different poses. Me, being the guy I am, thought one was sufficient. But I gave in and she got the needed shots. Just not the crazy ones she wanted!

Lydia gently prodded me to be patient, and so the photos were taken, and came out great. Of course, Lydia is so beautiful that she compensates for my looks!

Going to the Chapel and We're Gonna Get Married...;)

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here this day in the presence of this blog, and all its readers to announce some really great news!!!

On this past Thursday night, I asked Miss Lydia Corn to make me the happiest man on earth by consenting to become my wife. And I am beyond thankful that she said yes!!!

The wedding is planned for July 5th of this year!

The planning has begun, and I'm sure Lydia will be posting to her blog about those things as time passes. Or maybe she'll make you wait until the big day, and let you be pleasantly and wonderfully surprised.

Her parents, Dale and Michele have been so gracious, and I am thankful for them. They are another set of parents for me and I've always been thankful for our closeness. I was, and am very thankful that they consented to our courtship, and then for us to be married. And now with all the planning and stress that is sure to come, I appreciate their willingness and help, leadership and guidance as we move forward to July 5th, and especially beyond.

"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD" (Proverbs 18:22). I thank the Father above for His favour, and I look forward to many years of continual thanks for this, the greatest blessing of my life, save the eternal life and inheritance given me by Christ.

Lydia and I both ask for your prayers for us. We look forward to building a Christ-honoring life together, and we know we need the Lord's grace to accomplish that life long commitment and service to one another, and our God.

Understanding to Discern

Wisdom

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing” (1 Kings 3:9-10).

Any person with a reasonable mental grasp would agree that wisdom is essential. I have often heard and made jokes about those without “common sense.” Some have “book smarts,” but no ability to put that knowledge into any useable practice. Thus, such a person is devoid of common sense, or the Biblical term, wisdom.

Wisdom is simply how to use the knowledge we’ve acquired or have been given. It is most definitely useful, a practical tool to exist in the world. How often I’ve shaken my head at others, and even more at myself for foolish mistakes that were simply performed by not taking time to think through and reason the best approach during any given situation.

On the freeways or downtown traffic we see people that we wish would pray for more wisdom. We run into them on the factory floor or in the office hallway. We see parents that need wisdom to rightly bring up their children in an honorable way. We know of church members and pastors that could use wisdom. We all need wisdom that comes from God.

Solomon realized the need to understand, and also the need for the ability to discern between one thing and another. So, understanding his need to understand and discern, he went to the Source that was able to give him the knowledge and wisdom he needed.

Solomon wasn’t seeking this knowledge and wisdom for personal gain of wealth, power or long life – nor should we. Often when I shake my head at myself or others it isn’t because they, or I have failed to honor the Lord by discerning between good and bad, it is generally because they’ve been in my way in traffic, or I’ve made some foolish choice. Often I fail to consider that wisdom in the larger sense is needed; not to avoid some small, insignificant occurrences, but to avoid sinning against the Lord.

Solomon’s speech “pleased the LORD.” The Lord was so pleased with Solomon’s request that He granted it, saying, “I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.”

How blessed the day when all of the Lord’s saints would bow, as Solomon, and request the Almighty for understanding and wisdom to discern between right and wrong in the decisions we make each day, the responses we give in the face of trials, and the commitments we make in all aspects of our lives. Think of the prevented sins if we all sought the Lord more earnestly, fervently and continually for discernment between the good and the bad.