New Laptop

Sarah and I are sitting in a coffee shop in Waco, TEXAS posting this blog from our new laptop. We were pretty excited to receive it in the mail today when we were on our way out the door. Sarah is in a mock-trial this afternoon for a friend who is finishing up her law school degree from Baylor. She is a little nervous, but at least her first time in court is a mock trial.

This morning I taught a Counselor Bible Study at Camp Buckner (still the best camp in the world). I had the privilege of teaching on marriage. They are going through 1 Corinthians this summer and they assigned me chapter 7...all 40 verses. I had about 40 minutes to teach. For those of you who know me, this will come as no surprise, but I only got to verse 16 and I went 10 minutes over time. Oh well. More on that later.

The house buying is still in progress. Based on all the other houses purchases I have made in my life this one is going fairly smooth.

Our nephews Jacob and Ty have been with us at my parents house for the last week or so. They are a blast but a lot of responsibility. Eron, "little baby Shakov" is getting pretty big. He takes offense to the name "Shakov" because it implies that he is a "little baby." But is sure is funny when he gets all angry about it (although his anger isn't anger at all, just a show).

We are still Longing for Louie. (just for you Kari)

Adios Amigos,
Ryan and Sarah

Trip to Louisville!!!

Well, as many of you know, Ryan and I had the blessing of once again visiting the great state of Kentucky. We went up last week on Wednesday and came home late Saturday. It was encouraging, productive, and well....we just wanted to stay the rest of the summer!! Our sweet friends and family were so hospitable towards us, and we enjoyed some great fellowship (yes, we did partake in the "Real Men of Genius" links with the Plevans...). Here are some of the fun updates and things that were accomplished during this trip:

1) I got to see the duplex for the first time in person!! Loved it and can't wait to move in. We are literally .3 miles from the seminary! We had the inspection on Friday (which was great to be present and meet with the inspector) -- and we are requesting some repairs, but nothing too major! And we JUST heard from DeAnna that almost all of our requests were granted. So we are headed to closing on July 30th!

2) Had a great meeting with our mortgage broker! If any of you are considering purchasing a house near Louisville, we would highly recommend this guy! We met for about two hours and he explained all of the details, ect...it's a lot!

3) Ryan and I went job searching...some. I applied on campus, and now really looking for something in my field of chemistry -- but we will see. However, Ryan already HAS A JOB!! Working with Chick-fil-A! (Yes, yes, the Greens, Gerlts, and Smiths willall be rejoicing quite enthusiastically at this moment!!) He will be working at the mall store linked, or at a free standing store a little farther away. But it should be a GREAT environment for Ryan (the owner hires a large percentage of seminary students) and we really like the owner already. PS. his son was in Mrs. Jamie Butts class this past year -- how small our Christian circles can be!! So yes, the Lord is so gracious and faithful to provide.

4) Went to see Ryan's cousin Blake and his wife Brianna. Blake is on staff at Wellington Church in Lexington. We are so thankful to have family close by when we move north! Our time was invaluable. Ryan and Blake enjoyed some theological conversing, and man we had some of the best pizza in Kentucky (I'm convinced). We cannot wait to visit again.

We are now back in Texas, although shortly for me. Ryan gave me the best birthday gift EVER this year! He planned a weekend get-away to California to visit two of my best friends, Mara and Bethany. So on Thursday, away I go to the sunshining state of Cali!!! So pray that Lord continues to grant us favor as we make decisions about the house/duplex, jobs, and moving! We are sincerely enjoying this time off from working to visit family, friends, and just read!

I Get Fired Up

Well, we offered on the house, and the seller counter-offered, desiring us to pay a little more to buy out the current renter's contract. This is where I get fired up. I love it when somebody wants to try to take advantage of a first time house buyer who is a future seminary student. It could get interesting. Anyhow, we are counter offering, and you can bet your seminary book money that I won't be paying him more than his asking price. More later.

You know what, there are times in the Psalms when David implores the Lord to judge him according to His righteousness. "Judge me, O Lord my God, according to your righteousness..." Ps. 35:24. Are you so confident in your walk with the Lord that you could implore God to judge you in His righteousness with the assurance that He would be pleased? Apparently it's an attainable state that we can acquire. Where are you at? Are you dealing with sin swiftly and righteously, are you washing your heart with the water of God's word? Can you say with David, "Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, And I have trusted in the Lord without wavering." Ps. 26:1.

John Owen from The Mortification of Sin

"Now I say when a man comes to this state and condition that lust is weakened in the root and principle, that its motions and actions are fewer and weaker than formerly, so that they are not able to hinder his duty nor interrupt his peace; when he can, in a quiet, sedate frame of spirit, find out and fight against sin, and have success against it; then sin is mortified in some considerable measure, and notwithstanding all its opposition, a man may have peace with God all his days."

Blessings,

Ryan

John Piper's God Exalting Grammar

Wow...I was moved to tears, and the more you hear it the more real it becomes.