Wednesday's Words

Four years ago today, my now husband of almost 4 years took a step out of his comfort zone and drove to the campground to begin our relationship. 

In the months (really closer to a year) before this I had been praying and reaching out in his direction because I was feeling like God had brought our paths together after many years (we grew up in the same church and our parents were close friends many, many years ago).  There were plenty of times before he came to the beach that I was frustrated because things weren't going the way I wanted and RC just didn't seem to be getting the hint that I liked him as I was visiting his church, hanging out with his family and friends and sitting by the computer in hopes that we would chat that evening on Facebook. 

I had been in a ladies' Bible study group studying "Boundaries" by Cloud and Townsend (if you haven't read it, you really should!) and they had prayed over me, over the situation with RC and I had finally decided that I had to let go of my "control" over what I wanted and let God deal with RC's heart if that was His plan.  I joined a couple of dating sites, because I knew that I was ready to move forward with my life and didn't want to do it alone, all along, hoping, wish and praying that RC would come around and take a chance on love again with me.

In late June 2011, he did just that when he asked me to dinner (we had met many times for coffee, dinner over the previous months at my invitation) I was THRILLED!  I casually asked him to come take a few days off and join us at the beach, honestly never, ever thinking he would really consider it.  When I got the text that he was indeed on his way - the craziness of phone calls and texts commenced to my girlfriends saying OMG, OMG, OMG,OMG he's really coming! 

We literally stayed up ALL night in the recliners outside my camper talking, catching up, discussing what our relationship might look like and as the sun came up, we walked down to the beach and prayed together over our relationship and that God would lead, guide and direct our paths. 

In September, RC asked me to marry him, in October we served on a mission trip together in Sullana, Peru and in December we were married.  All of this is testament to God's faithfulness, mercy and grace - and we continue to trust Him to guide our marriage and how we live our lives. 

Our favorite Bible verse, and one that pretty much sums up our blessings through our relationship is
Ephesians 3:20-21 ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Y'all have a great day.  Be bold and courageous!

Stephanie