We hiked up a trail covered in white stones, and past a churning creek. It was a cool day, and I was keeping my eyes peeled for a moose. Warrior Man was distracted. At the top of the trail in a shady hollow, sitting on some monster rocks, beside the raging rapids he said some true, and sweet words–and beside me–opened a ring box, revealing a sparkly diamond ring. And I was there, all senses awake, my mind churning like the creek, looking into his dark, chocolate eyes that have been there through everything in the past few years, and knowing that my one word would change both of our lives forever. And somehow, God was there too. The God who knew exactly what He was doing when He placed us both at a tiny college in the middle of nowhere. The God who put us in the same History class. The God who can weave together two people who are opposite in nearly every way. But alike in the ways that matter. That good, fierce, gentle, and present God of mine was on that trail too. With us. And now, as I write, I cannot help but feel immensely grateful for Him who is able to do so much more than what I even imagined.
Tell yourself today that He is worthy. Tell yourself that He can do great and immeasurable things. Tell yourself that He chose to die–DIE–for you. Your life will never be the same. Feel the deep, rich flavor of these words, roll them about in your mouth, and swallow them so they might go deep within you.
And that question that that tall, dark and handsome man asked me? I said yes.
WELL, it is Five Minute Friday again! Every week, bloggers from around the world gather to write for five minutes. After the five minutes we post what we were able to furiously compose in those few short minutes. We do not edit. We do not rewrite. It is the profound commitment to each other to be honest, and real that recovering perfectionists like myself take part in this exercise. We expose our hearts to each other, and post what we wrote, in great vulnerability. If you want to link up, check it out here!
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This is so beautiful ! Thank you for sharing and best wishes!!
Thank you so much, Mary! I wrote the blog, and then I wondered if there was a linkup anywhere about weddings, and I found your site! I will definitely be linking up each week. Yaay!
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Gorgeous. The post is, too. And the ring. Mostly you, though.
Aw, you too, sis.
Oh Bethie, this is so beautifully written! I can’t wait to see the ring in person!! “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us . . .” Eph 3
Thanks, Mom! I love that Bible verse, and was thinking about it as I wrote.
Our lives are indeed miracles. Every time I look around at the wonder of nature, I am overawed.
That is so true, Francene. There is something about the glory of a sunset, the sound of the ocean, or gazing upon mountains that reminds us of how small we truly are. Thanks for the comment.
Such a sweet story. He is such an awesome God. Thanks for sharing your story. Dropping by from FMF and Ultra Blog Challenge.
He IS an awesome God, isn’t He? Thanks for dropping by! I love my FMF friends as well as my Ultra Blog friends!
How romantic!
When I got engaged to hubby he sat me on his lap, said some lovely words, popped the question, got my answer and then asked me to make him a coffee. No where near as romantic but so him!
I just love your engagement story! The longer I am in a relationship, the more I realize that it is the simple things rather than the grand that are the most romantic. Sounds like a great guy you have there. Are you from New Zealand? My family visited there a few years ago, and we LOVED it.
Lovely. <3
Thanks, Sadie. So are you.
Congratulations to both of you! It’s amazing how God works these things out if we trust him!
PS: Thanks for leading me to look up the prompt and respond to it too.
God really does work for the good of those who trust Him. He is so good. Glad you were able to check out the prompt! Five Minute Fridays are the best!
i’m digging that ring.
it’s my first time to hear about the five-minute friday. i think i’m gonna have to give it a try soon. 🙂
Glad you like the ring. I like it too. 🙂 You should definitely try your hand at Five Minute Fridays, Lux. They are a lot of fun, and the community of bloggers is just the best!
Oh Bethany, what a romantic setting and what a way to announce this to your fans. Beautiful ring, too! I’ve been married 40 plus years so I will pass this along to you: A good marriage only gets better with time. I wish you many blessings in the years ahead. There will be good times and bad, but I know you have what it takes to get through the bad and savor the good.
Alana, you are just such an encouragement to me. I read your comment several times over, because it was such a beautifully-written bit of wisdom, and hope. I love that “a good marriage only gets better with time”. Thank you for this sweet little benediction. I am glad to have you as a friend.
Congratulations! May you both continue to be blessed with the knowledge of God’s presence in your future marriage.
That is our prayer, Barbara. Thanks for the sweet blessing, and comment.
How wonderful. The ring is so delicate too- gorgeous!
Thanks so much for the sweet words, Sophie! I think the ring is just right, too. Glad to have you here!
Congratulations! That was a lovely post to read. My fingers are ringless but I too was blessed to be placed in not too tiny a college in a city in the far north of this country where I met and fell in love with a tall blonde warrior for peace and justice. Nearly thirty years later that love has grown and grown and I hope for all of us that our love will continue to deepen and strengthen as the years go by.
Juliet
What a sweet story to read in my comments! So glad that you find a tall warrior as well. So encouraging for me to hear other people’s stories, and that their love has continued to grow throughout the years. It makes me smile. Thank you for the encouragement, and I love the name “Juliet”, it is one of my favorites. One of my soon-to-be sister-in-law’s name is Sulieti (Sue-Lee-Eh-Tee) which is the name Juliet only in Tongan. I think it is so pretty. Thanks for stopping by!
Lovely! What a romantic story. I’m an old softie at heart. Congratulations on your engagement, blessings on such a lovely setting and story.
Thank you so much, Andrea, for your sweet words. I am a softie as well. 🙂
Beautiful ring! Thanks for sharing your story! Feeling “all warm inside” now!
So glad you were encouraged, Lisa! I love a good romance story, too. Thanks for stopping by!
Hey! I’m your FMF neighbor! What an awesome story! I love a good romance; especially those that show God’s hand at work! I pray for you and your man only the richest of blessings! Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks for stopping by, Anita! I love my FMF neighbors. I just love this little community that has been built up surrounding the Five Minute Friday posts. Thanks for the comment!