Defend the Orphan (Isaiah 1:17)

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27.

I've read that so many times, and although its clear as day, I don't think my "religion" consists enough of looking after the "orphan and widow." Maybe not out of desire, but just ignorance of the practicality of it. If your're feeling like me, I have some advice: Family Life (familylife.com) had a series of great messages during their "The Cry of the Orphan" Campaign. Two in particular, given my Rick Warren, were very enlightening, and I recommend every Christian check them out. Apparently, God is VERY concerned for the orphan and oppressed. And therefore, so should we. Immediately, I want to run out an adopt a dozen kids, but that's obviously not something I can do yet (Shawn, don't get scared). However, there is much singles can do to defend the orphan, and it doesn't involve adoption. Family Life has a brochure called "Ten Ways Every Christian Can Care for the Orphan and Waiting Child." It's Free to order, and has some really practical and unique ideas. I'll share one that I had no idea exsisted and think is very cool:

Speak up for them: Ever wonder how to put all those fun years of college to even greater use? Start to thank God for those speech classes! It turn out there are organizations that train regular people to be Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care. These volunteers get to know a child, his/her case, etc and speak to the court on their behalf. Visit www.natinalcasa.org for more details and to find an office near you.

Don't forget to get the Family Life brochure. It has more great great ideas!

He shall be called...

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, written over 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ).

Pursue!!

Ladies love to be pursued. We long to be chased after, desired, and fought for. I think of the way Shawn pursues me, and can't help but smile real BIG...the effort, the sacrifice, the commitment...It's beautiful. To pursue someone or something takes action, persistence, commitment, passion, etc, and this is exactly what God calls us to do in regard to a godly lifestyle.

1 Timothy 6:11 says, "But you (Paul writing to Timothy), man of God, flee from all this (evil, greed), and PURSUE righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. FIGHT the the good fight of the faith. TAKE HOLD of the the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession...(1 Timothy 6:11-12a"

So although it is God who works in us to do the things that please him (Phil 2:13), we obviously have a choice to make and a role to play. This role is not passive (i.e. waiting for God to develop all these things in us without any effort on our part) Rather, we must "PURSUE, FIGHT, TAKE HOLD " And just as a man pursuing and fighting for his lady is not a drag or burdensome task, but rather a joy and a delight, so should it be our joy and delight to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness."

Wedding Planning has began

It's been a month since we've been engaged, and although some days I feel like I haven't gotten much done in regards to wedding planning, I'm starting to see that I'm not doing so bad. I purchased my wedding dress this past weekend! It's beautiful...and so fits my personality. The girls and I have chosen bridesmaids dresses...They are so cute!! They will be so beautiful. Location is still being decided, and the research for photographers, flowers, caterers, etc, etc continues.

Wedding planning can be very consuming. I have to remember to keep it in check. I used to wonder why people hired wedding planners; not anymore. Nevertheless, it's been fun and I look forward to all this day will mean for Shawn and I.