I'm getting married!

Well, folks, I'm engaged! This is Dawn M. Moody, the woman I've been dating for most of 2 1/2 years this past Sunday. I began to feel very strongly motivated by God to ask Dawn to marry me several weeks ago, so I went ahead and bought the ring and then waited for the right moment.

After attending a concert on campus, we walked over to Sewall Hall, which is where we first started talking about being together. I found some things that Dawn had said to me years ago that I saved and read it to her. These were things that were extremely encouraging and very much from God. Then I read the things I wrote down about what I love about her, got down on my right knee, and gave her the ring. She cried tears of joy. And the ring fits!

It is a relief to be able to talk about the subject of marriage with her and to start making plans. We are hoping for a wedding in August or December. We will need to rely on God's provision and let our hearts be flexible and open to be molded by God. Will you pray for us?

Otherwise, we plan to move to Texas in July or August to pursue teaching careers - she would teach high school English and history, and I would teach high school band after getting my master's degree. I couldn't be more excited! God has given me some amazing gifts lately. I owe Him everything that I have.

Southeast Asia

Hey hey! Here is my team which will be going to Southeast Asia this summer for six weeks. From left to right: Stefan, Becca, Juli, Kristin, and Justin (me). I am very excited. So far the contributions have been steady, but I have a long way to go. If you think of it, pray for me. Pray that God will bless our group, that we'll come closer together and learn to trust eachother more and more. Help us to be honest about our weaknesses and to step into our strengths. We are having a great time so far but the most challenging parts are yet to come. Keep up with us at http://cstonealpha.blogspot.com.

I hope to write more soon, I've just been very pre-occupied. Thanks for checking back with me!

I'm WAITING

Well, I think God is working. He seems to be teaching me things that I never thought I'd learn. He's helped me complete seven applications in three months, including nineteen recommendation requests, six transcript requests, five auditions, four interviews, and two trips out of state by myself. These are all things I never thought I could do. Especially the thought of ever going to Texas. :-)

God is teaching me to wait for His timing and blessing. I am waiting on God and time seems to be moving very slowly. I am feeling the world's influence: "Why would you wait, contrary to your own will, for someone whom you can't prove exists? Why would you decide not to make specific plans just so you can hear from Him? How will you even know if it was God?"

I hate that crap. I am convinced that waiting on God's will - on his green or red lights - is an extreme test of faith. I am not confused about which road I want to take, I just don't feel God's approval. I certainly don't feel His disapproval either, though. Perhaps His voice in this matter may be found in God's word. Any advice, oh reader?

Support Letter

Dear reader,


How have you been? I am doing fantastically because I’m enjoying my last spring break of my undergraduate career. I plan to graduate from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in music on May 12, 2006. During my time here at CU, God has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. Still, I believe I am only starting to see the fullness of who God is and His plan for my life. He’s provided the chance for me to attend graduate school in the fall, where I hope to pursue a master’s degree in music education. My choices have now been narrowed to two places: University of North Texas and University of Northern Colorado.

Before I take this next big step in my life, I feel God’s desire to begin teaching me something very significant: His love for every person around the world. I belong to the College Ministries at Cornerstone Church of Boulder Valley where I learned about the chance to spend six weeks this summer in Southeast Asia. I will be on a team with four other college students from Cornerstone Church. We plan to teach English, learn some of the local language and customs, and most importantly share and demonstrate Christ’s love for the people we meet.

I am writing mainly because I need your help in getting to Southeast Asia. The expenses for the trip, including orientation, airfare, housing and food, total $3500. You can help in two ways. First, you could pray for me before, during, and after my trip. Pray because it is God that determines if I go on this trip at all; its success is in His hands. Second, you may send money to help cover the cost. Please prayerfully consider supporting me in one or both of these ways. I understand that you may often receive several requests of this kind, so please give if you feel led out of a cheerful heart, not out of guilt.

If you decide to send money, could you let me know by May 5? The trip is from June 5 – July 15, 2006, so that will give me enough time to have my finances squared away. You may make out your check to Cornerstone Church and follow the instructions on the enclosed card. Any gift you make is tax deductible. You can also stay updated with what is going on this summer by visiting the blog we have set up for our trip: http://cstonealpha.blogspot.com.

Thanks, reader, for taking the time to read my letter and thanks for caring for me. I hope we get the chance to talk again soon. Have a great spring!


Sincerely,
Justin


- Since you don't have the whole package, send me an email at justin.mathis@colorado.edu if you want to contribute. I'll give you the address you can send your check to, etc. God bless!