New Beginnings... in the works...

[freerock1]

Hey all,

I wanted to ask for prayer for a few things in my life. I'm at something of a crossroads at several points in my life right now. The doors haven't swung wide open yet, so to speak, but they seem to be cracking just a bit.

- Job: I mentioned this in a thread a while back, but there have been some new developments. The short version: I'm in the midst of the job search. Honestly, I haven't been totally content there for a while, and I was pretty much forced to step up the search after my hours were cut (about a month and a half ago) because of financial problems. So for a few weeks I was doing the whole sending out resumes bit, without seeing a lot of success.

Well, it seems like the floodgates are opening, at least as far as interview callbacks. I'm getting quite a few, and have 2 interviews scheduled for next week. Please keep me in your prayers with that.

- Dating relationships: For most of my adult life, I've been the proverbially single guy. It's been a challenge, especially since college, to meet quality Christian women who aren't already committed.

Well, there's a new girl... sort of. From what I can tell, she loves the Lord, loves youth, and loves music (the first of which is essential, and the other 2 of which are big positives). She also comes from a somewhat similar ministry background as me. I haven't actually asked her out yet, but we've talked quite a bit over the last couple weeks. She seems like an incredible young woman, and I think I'm picking up the "signals" that she may be interested as well.

So what's the hold up? Somebody told me they thought she had a boyfriend. (Reminds me of a song by the Killers. ) So I'm trying to find out for certain before I make my move. At the same time, if she's available and I'm reading her correctly, I certainly don't want to let her get away. (I've done that before and regretted it.) So please keep all involved in your prayers with that as well.

- Ministry #1: As some of you may know, I'm a youth leader in my church. We've had some fairly big changes in the department and in our church as a whole (new building, staff changes, etc). Many of us believe the Lord wants to do some big things with our group and our church, but it seems like Satan is really trying to fight us. Please keep our church and youth group in your prayers.

(BTW, I've been able to connect with a few of the youth in my group through a shared interest in anime, which is always cool.)

- Ministry #2: Some of you know about ChargeRadio.com, the Christian music website/Net radio station that I co-run. We're looking at some ways we can try to make this a more effective ministry. Not that the power or effectiveness is from us -- obviously that comes from God. But we want to be faithful to perform the responsibilities God has given us. So please keep this ministry in your prayers.

Also, as a side request, please keep my mom in your prayers. She's been pretty sick for the last few days and was actually in the hospital for tests earlier this week. We don't think it's anything too serious, but it's been a pretty big hit to her physically, especially during this time of year.

Finally, I want to share part of a Scripture I came across this week that has been encouraging to me and can speak about situations we're all going through in life: Psalm 138:8a (NKJV) -- "The LORD will perfect that which concerns me."

Prayers and words of wisdom are appreciated, and thanks in advance. And thank God for what He's going to do in these situations!

Blessings,
Dan (aka freerock1)

[Jingo Jaden]

In my prayer.

[Tenshi no Ai]

Ah that's a nice verse, because it's just so true^^ Even though we sometimes can't see it now from where we are...

Lots of big prayers there, so I'll definately be praying for it all.

[SP1]

Personally, I think you should just ask her out. She is either dating someone else or not, and, being the Christian woman that she is, will probably just politely refuse if she is alreay seeing someone. Waiting just costs you extra stress. Avoid asking her to a planned event (like, something you bought tickets for) so that she is not pressured to attend. Also, if she says no, I wouldn't press her for "details" as to why not. You need to stay friends with this woman, regardless of her answer.

Not that I'm the romantic genius...

Of course, I will pray about this, too.

[Ryupower]

I will pray. I don't know how the others weren't "quality women" but OK, yeah, I agree with SP1 up there, just ask her out and get it over with. And by all means stay friends!
I read somewhere and completely agree that in a relationship one should be "friends first, and then comes the romance". IMO I completely agree ( alone for the fact that in the "down times" you still are there for one another like a friend )

[freerock1]

Thanks, all, for your prayers and words of encouragement.

Please continue to pray about these things. But I did want to give a quick update... no major developments yet, but a few things that might be leading to them....

I had one of my interviews today. This job seems to be very similar to one I had in college, though making a lot more money. I think the interview went well, and that it would be a great job for me. But of course I want it only if it's God's will, and He sees the big picture that we can't always see. So please continue in prayer for me about it. I should know more within the next few days.

Also, about the girl... I still think I may be picking up the "signals," and a couple friends sort of observing from afar have talked to me like they've picked up the same kind of thing from her (toward me). I also talked to a mutual friend who said that she does not in fact have a b/f. (Woohoo!) So in a sense I guess the ball's in my court now, so to speak. Pray for me and wish me luck!

I don't know how the others weren't "quality women" but OK

By "quality Christian women," I mean women who are truly committed to Christ, who aren't just Christian in name only. I'm sure you've probably met people who say they're Christians, but their lives don't really reflect it. I believe that it is so important that a Christian man or woman seeks to date others who are committed to Christ. For one thing, there's the whole deal about not being yoked together with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14 -- which is often thought to refer to marriage, at least in part). And as I tell my youth, most likely you will to fall in love with and marry someone you date, and if the two of you aren't on the same page where it comes to God, it's likely going to cause problems -- one spouse may want to seek God while the other wants to go off and party. Those problems will likely end in heartbreak.

Does that make a little more sense?

[Tenshi no Ai]

By "quality Christian women," I mean women who are truly committed to Christ, who aren't just Christian in name only. I'm sure you've probably met people who say they're Christians, but their lives don't really reflect it. I believe that it is so important that a Christian man or woman seeks to date others who are committed to Christ. For one thing, there's the whole deal about not being yoked together with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14 -- which is often thought to refer to marriage, at least in part). And as I tell my youth, most likely you will to fall in love with and marry someone you date, and if the two of you aren't on the same page where it comes to God, it's likely going to cause problems -- one spouse may want to seek God while the other wants to go off and party. Those problems will likely end in heartbreak.

And that's why I myself wouldn't want to date a non-Christian (nor do I support the whole "flirt to convert" thing, although I do know some legit cases where it actually worked out...) But yeah finding a quality guy/girl Christian can be something else. Alot more people sure say they are, but don't act it :/ I picture "The One" for me being an accountability partner for life: someone who'll always keep me on my feet, and vice versa with him^^

I'll continue to pray for you...

[Ryupower]

Thanks, all, for your prayers and words of encouragement.

Please continue to pray about these things. But I did want to give a quick update... no major developments yet, but a few things that might be leading to them....

I had one of my interviews today. This job seems to be very similar to one I had in college, though making a lot more money. ]so[/i] important that a Christian man or woman seeks to date others who are committed to Christ. For one thing, there's the whole deal about not being yoked together with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14 -- which is often thought to refer to marriage, at least in part). And as I tell my youth, most likely you will to fall in love with and marry someone you date, and if the two of you aren't on the same page where it comes to God, it's likely going to cause problems -- one spouse may want to seek God while the other wants to go off and party. Those problems will likely end in heartbreak.

Does that make a little more sense?

Oh OK, I got it now, yeah. NO DATING UNBELIEVERS! IF I CATCH YOU DOING THAT YOU'RE IN BIG DOO-DOO!!!!
It just sounded kinda...different how you said it.. ^^;;;
So you meant "Quality Christian" "woman"
not "Quality woman (Christian )"

gotit!

I'm glad things are clearing up by you, will pray.

[freerock1]

Oh OK, I got it now, yeah. NO DATING UNBELIEVERS! IF I CATCH YOU DOING THAT YOU'RE IN BIG DOO-DOO!!!!

More or less, I guess. ]I picture "The One" for me being an accountability partner for life: someone who'll always keep me on my feet, and vice versa with him^^[/QUOTE]
That's a good way of looking at it. I think that "the one" is going to be someone who will lift you up and encourage you, not tear you down.

[freerock1]

Thanks, all, for the continued prayers. Please keep them coming. I got some news today on actually a couple of these things. A bit of a twist from what I had expected, but it could all be good. Plus it's all in God's hands, and we know that He works all things together for good to those who love Him.

I know my post is a bit vague, but I'll hopefully be able to give more info after I know more about what's going on myself.