I don't usually like to blog about personal issues, but I suppose every rule has to have an exception. Today, my wife and I were preapproved for a mortgage, and have thus taken our first steps toward homeownership.

I am really excited! I am looking forward to shopping around, and picking out a place that will finally be "ours," with no hassles about damage, no worries about the people downstairs, and a backyard to relax in.

I would appreciate your prayers in this enormous undertaking for all the aspects, and just that the house won't collapse or catch on fire or something like that. At least not for a long long time.

I am also really really wanting a place in which to cultivate a community of faith--i.e., start a church, so I really want a place conducive to meeting, talking, hanging, and the occasional whatnot.

Plus I'd like to thank a historic recession/depression for low low house prices and historically low interest rates!