Thursday, October 11, 2007

Engaged!!

Shawn Evans asked me to marry his this past weekend! Aaahhh...so exciting! We've seen the Lord's hand already at work so much this past week, confirming his favor over our relationship. Shawn is such an amazing man, full of love and passion for God. He leads us into deeper faith, a life of prayer and a love for the Word of God. I'm so so blessed! Below is the story of the proposal, written by Shawn..he's also a great story teller.

The proposal was Saturday! It was supposed to be Friday, but my only plan - plan A, couldn't work because of the weather. I was going to take her up for a flight seeing tour of Galveston bay, right near Houston, but the weather was rough, and I know it was God's way of saying OK OK, cool out. You don't have to blow as much cash as you're thinking.

What really happened was God had something much cooler planned. We ended up having an early night and she had planned a date night the next night. We went to this water wall in Houston which is about 4 stories high, and just cascades water down this cement wall, on both sides, which is shaped like a semicircle. Very big. It was turned off when we got there. strike 1. Actually, we have our theories that it was off so this group of Buddhists wouldn't have good photos which they were taking about 10 minutes after we arrived to have a picnic. We ended up not eating for an hour after that but instead started praying. about 2 or 3 minutes later it started to rain, but not nearly as much on us, we being under a tree. They fled to a nearby shelter. This only encouraged us, and praying slowly became praying against deception of darkness, which became calling and casting out deceptive spirits from 75 feet off. This became singing, or more like almost yelling praise songs to the name of Jesus. Worship songs, and prayer, one would sing, one would pray, then the other way around, and we had something of a vigil against it.

We forgot to bring silverware, and eating with salad tongs, with an occasional cracker used as an eating tool. Pasta and salad. With salad tongs and crackers.Later, we went to listen to a jazz trio play at a church nearby in a music series they were doing. They had a dance floor and we got up for a number of them. It was really special. Following that, we went to a hotel lobby to listen to some recent work in composition I'd been putting together. I had written Tania a song called "Reflection", on which I played piano and sang, but for this occasion I told her there was a new work written for her. She wanted to hear it. "That depends on how you answer the next question, " I said. I took out the ring and said something like, "tonight has been the perfect metaphor of what God has put ahead of us, and I can't imagine being next to anyone else for it...Tania, will you marry me?" think that's what I said. 5 minutes later, we got ourselves together and listened to the second song written for her. You know, Because she got the answer right.

6 comments:

Melodi said...

Praise God a million times over. You know, Shawn, we always knew it would take an amazing man of God to have the reward of Tania for a wife. I see she has found him. I want to tell you both that as happy as you are right now, you will find that 19 years down the road, you will be even happier. You will be able to look back and see the paths God has taken you on, the journeys - both hard and easy - that made you grow closer to the Lord and hence, to one another. You'll someday look into the eyes of a little baby and look up to see each other in a whole new light - even if that baby comes to you by adoption! That still amazes me. Marriage is such a blessing. I'm thrilled that you now get to experience that blessing and in doing so, continue to glorify God as one. Tania, wake up each day and ask the Lord, "How can I serve Shawn today?" Shawn, wake up each day and ask, "How would you have me lead her today, Lord?" Tania, you were CREATED to be his helper and that's an HONOR, never, never a lesser place in God's creation. Don't ever let the world tell you that if you serve Shawn it makes you less. That almost makes me laugh, but it's really not funny. When you are irritated with Shawn, find some way to help him that day. You'll be amazed what will happen to your heart. Shawn, when you are irritated with Tania, find some way to show her love that day. If there was any selfishness left in either of you, it has to leave now. :) Wow. I can't wait to see what God does with this marriage to bring glory to the kingdom.

I love you,

Melodi

Melodi said...

Oh, and the reason my comment says, "John Mark," is that he took over my google account! ha! I promise he didn't write that!

Tania Evans said...

mmhhh...I was wondering how "John Mark" got so wise." He...just kidding, I knew it was you Mel! And your wisdom is such a blessing. I hope you know how much your example and words of wisdom have impacted and influenced me, and ultimately and eventually my marriage, children, etc...never underestimate the worth of your precious example and the widsom that you so freely impart on others. What a blessing you've been and continue to be to me! I take your words to heart, and because they are based on the Word of God they will not return void!! Thank you!!

The Maddox Family said...

congrats!!! sounds like a lot of fun!

lyd said...

WOO HOO!!! time for serious comments later.....partying and giddy giggling now!!

Angie Hernandez said...

You will never quite understand the joy that I felt when you told me tonight that you were engaged! Being in love is the most beautiful thing in the world! The joy of knowing that you will see the person that you love by your side when you wake up in the morning and before closing your eyes for a nights' sleep...at this point you will understand why Oswaldo and I have struggled SO MUCH to make it past all of our ups and downs. Enjoy the moment, enjoy this opportunity that God has put in your hands and in your hearts! Thank him everyday for the good moments and the bad. They happen for a reason, I have come to understand that the hard way! Congratulations Tania and Shawn! We are extremely happy for you guys! We love you lots!!!