Forever and Always

Sorry the pictures are out of order







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Monday morning, I started my day off like I always do. I was up early, got ready, made breakfast and sat down for time with the Lord. There was something about a busy week that wasn’t sitting well with me. The more you shift away from what you want to be about in what you do the less content you are. That was Monday. As I looked at my week, I couldn’t help but think if I was really doing what I loved (to be clear—I love being on staff with CCC, it was more that I’d gotten away from the things I love about being on staff. I love sharing my faith. I love meeting with new students. International Students. Freshman. Yet my time was filled with ‘normal’) So I wrote that morning in my jornal that I wanted to be true to what I am. With much change ahead in my life, I wanted to be sure that I was making every minute matter. When you see time slipping through your hands it becomes critical to become what you think you’re about. I guess you could say I started off my day refocused for the next ____ months, however long God would have me there.

God has perfect timing. Little did I know what was in store. During staff prayer and staff community group, I got a text from Kate, a student in our ministry. She asked if we could meet to talk about something. She said it was a hard conversation about someone on Kitchen (leadership) and wanted to tell me first before we confronted them. Of course I was willing to meet, the sooner the better. Now…12…2…5…I think were all times I threw out there. She kept deflecting me for different reasons. In the afternoon we actually talked on the phone and I tried to get her to just tell me. I was beginning to worry about it. Because I’m so invested in these students, I get worked up if they are not doing well. The thought of one of them not walking with the Lord broke my heart. I prayed over it and wept over it. I hurt just thinking about the future for one of them..but tried not to think of who it could be.

We decided to meet at 8 after an appointment I had. So we met at TCBY (although I thought my house was a perfect place since no one was home) When she got there, she gave me an awkward side hug. Weird. Then she asked if we could go for a drive since what she wanted to tell me was personal and didn’t want anyone else to hear. Sure. As we were driving, she suggested going to the river because no one is there at night. At this point I was thinking, D would not like this. Me, alone at night at the river. Ha.

When we got to the river, Kate was a little slow to get out so I too hesitated. I didn’t know what was going on. Finally we got out and she began to awkwardly work up to telling me what I was dreading. As we walked close to the stairs to walk down to the landing, I said ‘Oh look, a candlelit dinner for someone. How sweet’ Just as I said that, I saw D standing at the bottom of the stairs holding flowers.

First of all—there was nothing going on with one of our leaders. Praise God. Second, I was totally surprised. Really, I was.

‘What are you doing here, what are you doing here. Your in Tuscaloosa. Why are you not in Atlanta?’ I kept saying, followed by my shallow ‘What am I wearing’ But lets face it. I was wearing black athletic pants and a tshirt. I’d been on campus on my bike all day, not exactly what I call glamour gear for an engagement. Wish I had a little heads up there.

I trotted down the stairs and we hugged for a while, while I repeated my same questions. I was putting the pieces together..he didn’t just leave the office and go to football. He’s been in Ttown. He gave me the flowers and asked me to come to the bench to sit down. He said there were some things he wanted to talk to me about. He knows I get cold at night so he gave me a blanket he had brought out—well played!

I was all ears at this point—note to guys. In this situation, you do the talking. Us girls are so taken off guard that its better if you do the talking! So he began to tell me what he wanted to tell me. He started out by reading from Genesis 2 about man and woman. Then he read his life verse from Acts 17 and talked about how that has fueled everything he has done. He proceeded to tell me a lot of really nice things, none of which I can remember. I’m sure he did great! Then, he said there was something he wanted to ask me, hit a knee, and asked me to marry him! He explained the significance of the ring he put on my hand as he said ‘please fit, please fit, please fit.’ The ring I’m wearing was his mothers engagement ring and wedding band. I believe I asked ‘Are you sure???’ About the ring, not the proposal! I was honored that he would see me fit to give me such a special ring. What an honor.

We sat there for a few minutes just talking—‘Oh my gosh, we’re engaged’ Was the common phrase! He had candles everywhere, music playing and sparking cider to celebrate. We busted into that and made a toast. It was really sweet though, he also brought me some water. I haven’t had anything but water to drink for about 4 months, so he brought me that as an option. Figured now was as good as any time to have something other than water. I did however just about spit it out—a bit bitter! It was pretty funny though watching me try to enjoy it—I did ‘chase’ it with an all refreshing bottled water!

After talking for a few minutes, I took his hands, and looked at him and said ‘pray for us.’ He knew the significance of that. I’ve never prayed together with another man alone, boyfriend or him. We’ve talked about it before how that’s something I’ve reserved for the one I would marry. So he grabbed my hands and led us in a prayer for our future. It was then that I got teary. I fought it a little bit (because there is nothing worse than praying all the way through a prayer and not hearing any of it) but I definitely was caught in the moment. That was the first of many times that we will get to pray together as a unit. It was a privilege and total blessing.

After enjoying the moment there for a bit, we headed over to Kate’s house, by way of my house (twice…no keys) so I could at least change! On the way, we called all of my family to let them know we were engaged!! It was fun to just get to tell them, even briefly, about the exciting news. When we got to Kate’s, I was a little overwhelmed. It’s a moment when you realize how loved and cared for you are by your friends. My whole staff team was there and many of our students. All to celebrate our engagement. They had balloons, pictures, soup, and a cake. Everyone was cheering when we walked in and lots of hugs to go around. Of course, they wanted the story, so the story we gave. D and I tag teamed it and told the story that had literally just happened! People were so supportive and excited for us. We stayed about an hour or so, and headed back to my house. Together we just talked about the night, the future, our dreams, and so much more. The night was perfect!

The following few days were filled with calls and emails and texts. We both took ourselves off facebook to enable us to tell our friends personally. That was a good move. It’s been fun to tell people and hear their reactions. We have the best friends, wonderful families, and each other. We couldn’t be happier!

Now begins the much anticipated planning. Wedding details galore. It will be fun I’m sure but its not what I’m most excited for. I’m excited for the marriage. The wedding will be one day. But the marriage will be forever. That’s what I’m looking forward to. The forever and always

Blessings