January 5, 2002

By the time most of you read this, I will have been married for several days.

So, that's news, I guess.

I write now, the morning of my wedding day, eight hours before I marry Jenny Aaserud, from the cozy comforts of what will soon be our new apartment in west Bloomington. Though many of you hear about this now for the first time, our romance is one which has been unfolding (to the best of our knowledge) for at least three and a half years. The story is one to tell. But as it is a busy day (and the story is much better told in person), I will say simply this: God done good.

For those of you wondering what has happened to me and my not-so- consistent newsletter these last months, this may explain things: We began dating late July, and were engaged late October. The wedding comes now - ten weeks later. I have rationed my time on the road and on the stage to give myself to this transition. There is much to be done in the heart of a 25-year-old single musician (who's entertained notions of lifetime singleness - often addicted to solitude) to ready for marriage. God has done much in me as of late, and I am anxiously awaiting life with my bride.

There is more to tell, no doubt. But I haven't the time to do so now. I apologize for the brevity of such weighty news. We will be traveling together shortly, and look forward to sharing our story from the stage and in your homes with many of you face to face.

Thank you for your prayers! I know there are several moms out there who, feeling sorry for me on the road alone, have prayed often for years that I might find a suitable companion. Let me assure you, friends, she's got my rib.

That's all for now. Blessings to you!

His, (and hers now, too),
     Jeremy

Things we would want people to know at our wedding:
(printed on a bookmark and distributed at the reception...)

There will be no divorce.

Kids are good.

We marry knowing our lives may seem less effective from certain angles. Our ambitions may change, our spirit for adventure may be tamed, our desire to wander may be less inclined to lift these legs, but we believe that effective ministry happens when we first allow God to do his work in our hearts in his way. Learning to love like he loves his church and his children is perhaps the ultimate calling for man - for in this practiced and observed man sees God for who he is, and in light of that, who can resist him? We believe this to be the season for that, and believe it will be a far more effective ministry than anything God has wrought through us thus far.