I'M ENGAGED!!!

I’M ENGAGED!!! Those are the words that every girl dreams of saying one day!! As of Sunday around 11:15 am I am engaged to the sweetest, Godliest, hard working, smart, handsome, man that I could ever ask for! I’ve mentioned a few times on here that I was in a relationship. I want this post to be as much of an encouragement to you as it is about my excitement.

Matt and I have not been dating for long, but since early on we knew we were right for each other. It is almost been exactly 6 months. We met at school. At first we honestly did not even notice each other. We liked other people and after different things happened we became friends and talked often which led to our relationship. Long story short soon we knew we were meant to be together for life. I had dated a few guys before and he hadn’t really dated at all. Anyway, he of course asked my dad’s permission to marry me and dad without hesitation said yes. They as well knew that he was the man for me! We both decided to wait until we finish college to get married just because it would be hard to be in college and newlyweds. This equals a rather long engagement, but we are ok with that. We have no doubt that God will use us during this time in a special way just like He will when we are married! Now to the proposal… What every girl wants to know!! J He knows me well! He did it in front of our entire church last Sunday morning. We were, along with another guy being recognized for helping out with the kids and teens when the pastor informs the congregation that Matt had something he wanted to share. At this point I had already seen my best friend from school, his family, and my family walk in so I knew something was up. He began to share how when penguins find the one they love they do certain things. For instance the male penguin will search and search for his perfect mate and then when he finds her he will begin searching for the prettiest, smoothest, roundest rock and he will kick it from even sometimes miles away to place it at her feet. So with this in mind he had 4 rocks with a letter written on each one in which they spelt out “Love”. On the other side they spelt “Trus” at this point after he had layed them around me he grabbed my hand and began telling me of how he had waited, prayed for me and found me. He knew that I was the one for him. At this point Bro Bill standing behind him says, “I think you need one more rock!” That is when he is handed the ring! He then proceeds to get down on one knee and ask me to be his wife! J Of course I then gladly said, “YES!!”We hugged and the congregation excitedly applauded!! I honestly cannot remember what the rest of the service was about, but I can tell you I was the happiest woman alive! He had planned it so well and the ring was perfect! I had never told anyone, but always in the back of my mind I thought it would be nice to be asked in front of the church for one reason. I have stood so strong on purity. We had spoken to the youth about it, encourage the kids in it, and do our best to live it out for all to see. You probably already know, but we have vowed to not kiss until our wedding day. Many people find this hard to believe, but as he proposed they were able to watch and see that we only hugged and he kissed me on the top of the head. How many other girls would be ok with this? Very few! It was my untold dream though. Also he had people taking photos and video! Note to any guy… DO THIS! It means a lot to a girl! Anyway, also as far as the ring… he knew me well! I had told him a little of what I wanted but nothing to specific. I absolutely love it and believe it is the prettiest ring ever!! J Simple yet elegant! It was an exciting day! One I will remember forever! J

Now to you girls… yes it is a sweet story, but you may be thinking I will never find a guy like that! YES there are still men like that! They are few and far between, but I can promise you there are! As we sit back now and see how God brought us together we see how He had it all orchestrated. There were specific times that Matt needed prayer that I remember God laying on my heart to pray for my future husband. Same goes for him and me! God has someone in mind for you and He will be worth waiting on. I look back now and wonder why I made some of the decisions that I did. Nothing big, but things that I now regret. Dating isn’t a game or something to do just to pass time. Take it seriously and make decisions that honor your future spouse! There are good guys out there who will respect and love you for you. You will not have to give sex to receive love. Wait… Wait on a man who loves you for you and not for what you will give him! Wait for a man who will hold the door, kiss you on the forehead, and ask you about your relationship with the Lord! Trust me… It is worth waiting on! I would have never dreamed that I would be engaged at a young 20. I always feared I would be an old maid with no one in sight. God had a plan though! Who knows when you will get engaged, but I can promise you that God has a plan for you as well! Stay faithful… you never know when the right man will walk into your life! Do you want to be dating every guy around when he comes into your life? Just a few thought and challenges!

 Below are some pictures that were taken last Sunday! J Such a wonderful day!!

JEN