13 days...

... until Jason and I will enter a covenant of marriage and begin a new season of our new lives in Christ. So many thoughts swirling through my mind now... mostly excitement to begin a life with a man who I love more than I ever thought possible, but also a sense of grieving of my season of singleness that has almost passed. Living in community with my wonderful roommates Jen and Lisa has been an incredible time of growth, laughter, tears, frustration, but above all love. I have learned so much living with them, and it saddens me to see it coming to a close. We will of course remain in each others' lives, as same-sex friendships are crucial to healthy living... but it will be different. I am so thankful for the last year living in close community with these beautiful women of God, as they have taught me patience, endurance, true forgiveness, selflessness, Christ-centered suffering, and so many other things that the Lord has used to prepare me for becoming one flesh with Jason as well as becoming more conformed into the image of Christ. I am so thankful for you both, and I pray that if the Lord wills that He continue to bless and deepen our friendships together.

Speaking of Jen and Lisa, they took time out of their busy schedules last Friday to do an engagement photo shoot out at St. James Court (where we're getting married - see Lisa's post to see a couple more pictures), and Central Park which is right across the street. It was perfect weather for taking pictures, and we had so much fun playing around in front of the camera. I am usually very self-conscious when taking pictures - every flaw seems to stand out in my mind as I feel the focus of the lens boring down on me. However, it is very different when I am standing with Jason... his continual encouragement and unabashed affection helps me forget myself and just enjoy having these fun moments captured on film.

Please pray for us over the next couple of weeks as we seek to accomplish no more than the Lord gives us strength and means to accomplish, for good weather (both our ceremony and reception are outside and expecting around 200 people to attend), that we would continue to honor Him with our thoughts, words, and actions, that our wedding and our marriage would clearly reflect the truth and power of the Gospel - that two former enemies of God are now undeservedly forgiven and heirs of His kingdom, and that we would have the strength and ability to serve and love each other and our friends and family during the next couple of weeks.