Cakes by Jeanine, and many blessings.

Our friends, Jeanine and Nathanael, have so graciously offered to make our wedding cake as a gift to us. Chris and I are so thrilled to see what Jeanine will do. She recently baked this guitar cake for our friend's birthday, which tasted scrumptious. We are so blessed, and can't wait to see the outcome of the final product! It's going to be great!

You can see more of her artistic creations at www.cakesbyjeanine.com. :)

Crown Financial

Chris and I have recently begun a 10-week course with Crown Financial Ministries through Harvest. Let me say, we have been so blessed by it, and we still have seven weeks to go! It's been an amazing revelation to see how the Bible puts the use of money, as well as possessions, into such simplistic terms that there is no excuse for handling it improperly! There are more than 2,350 verses that speak on the topic, and most of Jesus' teachings were parables to this matter.

The great thing about this study is its complete relevance to today's financial positions we often find ourselves in. Just this week we talked a lot on co-signing, and how negatively binding it is for the one co-signing on behalf of another. We also talked on borrowing, and why it is discouraged (as much as possible).

Our verse for last week was from Prov. 22:7, and it says, "Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender."

Some other great verses are Psalm 37:21, Proverbs 3:27-28, and Romans 13:8.

Hope that encourages you!

A quick update

Thank you to everyone who wrote us such encouraging words!

Well, everything has been going smoothly so far. We found a beautiful little place for the ceremony, and we've also booked a location for the reception. Both are local places that haven't been used by anyone we know. We are going at this patiently, while still having fun and enjoying the engagement.

I haven't mentioned this in a post yet, but there will be two Hernandez girls getting married in 2009. We are so excited for Linda and Evan, and we know they are going to have the best wedding. Evan is the coolest guy, and is so good to Linda. It's pretty funny when Chris and him get together-- I think they like to talk about how crazy our family is, but they just won't admit it. Our family is pretty loco on both sides, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It just makes for better memories.

~ Soon to Be

Our Engagement Video- Officially Engaged

Our Engagement Video from Amber Hernandez on Vimeo.

December 27, 2008 Marks the Day of our ENGAGEMENT!

Chris' proposal to me at Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang, CA could not have been any better! This has been our hidden spot for the past few years now, and if you go to this particular bench you will find two of (his) carvings...One is from our first visit here, and the other is dating this day.

I am still in shock that this day finally came after nearly 5 1/2 yrs. of being a courting couple. We have shared some of our funnest times together and have grown tremendously close since when we first met. I am amazed at how similar we are in so many ways. I have loved just being loved by him, but to experience this new love is incredible to say the least.

What I'm even more deeply appreciative for is the love that his family has shown me since he and I began pursuing each other. Wil and Debbie have been the most encouraging of our relationship, and Chris and I have truly learned a lot from them. Both, his parents and mine have been such an example of what it is to be best friends with Christ at the center. I am so thankful for the family that I have and the family that I will have. I never imagined that I would be blessed in such a way, but God is good and His plan has far exceeded any plan of mine.

I am so thrilled and look forward to the big day, and becoming the new Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Paul Lopez!