Guest Post 3 - Amber & Marshall's Story

Guest post 3 is here!! Yay!! This is the story of how my friend Amber and her husband Marshall met and married. I have known Amber for probably close to a year now, and have so enjoyed getting to know her! I can't believe how many kindred spirits God has let me "meet" on blogger. Please take the time to go look at Amber's blog: "Joyful Homemaker" And she also has facebook, so you can friend her there as well. : ) Enjoy reading...

Once upon a time… in the fellowship hall of church one afternoon of preparing for the missions meeting… Some of the ladies and I were sitting at a table chatting about this and that when Ms. Ellen happened to mention that I should think about marrying her nephew- Marshall. He had just moved to Gainesville a few months prior and had come to church once or twice since. I told her that was ridiculous because he was not even saved and had not been to church for awhile. I didn’t even know anything about him other than his name was Marshall, and he probably was not saved
The subject was dropped, and I did not think anything else about it until “Lo and behold!” the next morning he came walking into church! I thought- “It does not mean anything! Just a coincidence”. Well, Pastor preached one of the toughest messages on Christian dress standards that he has ever preached. He just knew that Marshall (and all the rest of us) would never be back. However, at the end of service Marshall stood up and said that he wanted to join the church! We all were shocked! (To put it mildly) Pastor talked to him and told him to keep coming to see if this was really what he wanted. (And to see if he could\would stick it out) Well, Marshall came here and there- mostly Sunday mornings. We prayed for him, but I was not too concerned with whether or not I was supposed to marry him. I knew that salvation must come first. Also, I was only 16 years old. Definitely too young.
Anyway, after several weeks of coming here and there, Marshall came on a Wednesday night (June 25th to be exact). After service he told Ms. Rita that he had gotten saved. She went and got Pastor and eventually the news made it to the rest of us. So then I started kinda thinking that maybe this fella -“Marshall” was my Prince Charming. I kept it to myself, but prayed about it. I did not want to get emotionally attached when really there was no reason for me to. Marshall had not even noticed me.
Marshall kept coming to church- totally oblivious to girls, and most especially me. Throughout the next few months I found out that he was Marshall Reeves, 25 years old, and his birthday was in January. A few people had caught on that maybe I was supposed to marry Marshall. I also found out that Marshall was a Jr., which was very important to me (long story). Then I happened to hear that he had been in the Marines- also very important to me!
He was baptized in November of 2003. Since he lived on the lake, he was baptized in the lake and we had a service and food at his house. This was just great news for the conspiring females that wanted us married. Well, his house was just too cute, and while we were there I could tell that my mother and Ms. Ellen were imagining what I would look like “setting up housekeeping in here”.
About 10 months passed and God started dealing with Marshall about getting married. Marshall did not really have anyone in particular in mind, but he decided to talk to Pastor. Pastor gave Marshall some guidelines to go by in choosing a mate, and God made things very clear.
On October 7th 2004 Marshall called and asked if he could come over to spend the evening. He came and we had pizza with my family, then they all went and watched a movie and Marshall and I sat at the table and talked for a little while. We went out here and there for the next few weeks.
On October 26th Marshall sent a dozen roses to me. Of course, I was on cloud nine the whole day! We went to visit my grandparents and Marshall met us there. Before he left he asked me to walk outside with him. He then proposed very sweetly, on bended knee! I don’t remember all that he said- I was just so glad to hear him say “I love you”!!!! Of course, I said “Yes”, and he put the ring on my finger. (We had both picked it out some days back.)
We set the date for April 16th, then realized that there was no way, and no reason for us to wait that long, so we moved the date up to February 5th. We were married on Saturday February 5th, at 2:00 in the afternoon. I walked down the aisle to a string quartet playing Canon in D, and he cried. (He’s so sweet!) Pastor preached, but I don’t remember much of that. (Do you blame me?!?!) We started our honeymoon in Gatlinburg, then came home and have been continuing our honeymoon ever since.


I thank God for putting us together. He knew exactly what we needed, and how to get us together. To God be the glory! Great things He has done!

**Next Guest Post Coming Soon!!**

Guest Post 2 - Courtship: A New Journey

Yippie! Guest post #2 is here! I have SOOO enjoyed doing theses guest posts! This one is by Rebecca over at "A Rather Unusual Maiden For God" (there is a link to her site at the end of the post). I have so enjoyed getting to know Rebecca over the last several months! Her blog is always an encouragement to me. When I first started reading her blog she was not yet courting Justin, so it has been so amazing to read about their journey for the start. And I'm sure you will enjoy this post greatly! So without farther ado...

Courtship: A New Journey.

My journey on Courtship began on March 20th 2009. How it all began is quite the tale
December 10th 2008, the college at my church was having a Christmas Banquet.
It was a hard time for me, because my best friend of 11 years had just moved to a different state, and I missed her a lot I didn’t know many other college girls, so I was lonely. Long story short, I attended the banquet next to a courting couple. I didn’t know these two very well. What was “worse” was that I was facing an empty chair.

Little did I know what was about to happen...for God had a “reserved” sign on that chair
;) I see a hand on the chair, someone asks, “May I sit with you?” I look up to see a college guy, a sophomore student- (one I had at least known the name of for a year )- Justin M. I said, “yes”...and that was how it all began.

I think it interesting that for one entire year we both at least knew who the other person was, but never really knew what was about to happen We had never really talked before that banquet... some people joke that we haven’t stopped talking since

Every courtship is different, Justin and I along with both of our parents decided to have the “no touch policy” rule, always have a chauffeur, etc. One thing we also have is something called, “Open Honesty” (we call it “total” honesty too.)

Even though we have chosen to court, and do things God’s way; the world’s dating methods and philosophy still infiltrates. Open Honesty is based on God’s word.
James 5:16 says
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Basically the world says, “when you are dating, put your best foot forward, keep your faults hidden,”
But in Open Honesty, we do talk about our faults to each other. Since the point of courting is marriage at the end, why not be honest? We have talked about how we deal with anger, personal fears, worrying, etc. As well as struggles.
Justin recently told me about his struggle (the world certainly is hard on our guys) He wanted to tell me about this particular struggle for a while, but was worried about how to bring it up. But there was no need for worry, as God totally prepared the whole conversation We girls are great at sharing our struggles and problems, but guys do find it harder, especially when it is with the one they love so much. I’m very, very, very ( ) glad he shared his struggle with me. Trust is so beautiful to have I treasure the ability to know that I can share struggles and problems with him too, and know that he will not judge me for them, but pray for me and with me
Girls, we can do our share to help our guys with their struggles PRAY for them And if you want to know a really great way to help, visit this site...

http://www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/

Open Honesty isn’t just for problems We also discuss so many other things, fun things too We talk about our preferences, standards, likes and dislikes, and opinions. We have had many talks about food likes and dislikes (they were hilarious ) Justin is now determined that he will someday get me to eat onions (I do not like onions by the way ) We have talked about raising children, running a home, driving, coupons, writing books, and on and on

I can not praise God enough for all his blessings upon this courtship, it is really wonderful to see how He has been leading it It is worth it to wait for the one He has created for you I remember what it was like to wonder, “Is there really someone out there for me? How will I know when I have found them?” It was a difficult time, but it doesn’t need to be God does everything for His glory, and He will make sure how you meet that special someone will bring Him great glory And it is very exciting to be apart of bringing glory to our wonderful Savior

God bless,
~Rebecca

A Rather Unusual Maiden for God

**The picture above is Rebecca and Justin.**

Guest Post 1 - "Waiting For God's Will"

This is a short story written by Augustine Sujon Baroi. He is a young man from Bangladesh. Augustine doesn't have a blog yet, but if you would like to reach him this is his email address: asbaroi@gmail.com I want to thank him for writing this story for my blog! I am sure you will all enjoy reading it.

Waiting For God's Will

Once there were two sisters. They lived with their patents in a countryside. The name of elder was Salome and the younger Naomi. Salome wasn’t so beautiful. She was short. But there was something divine in her countenance. A soft and mild touch was in her face. Moreover she had deepness in her character. On the other hand, Naomi was very fair and tall. But she was very proud of her beauty.

One evening the two sisters were in their room. Both the girls had to share a room with each other. Naomi was smiling when Salome asked, ‘What’s so funny?’

‘It’s a very funny thing!’ said Naomi, laughing, ‘Peter proposed me today. Ha, ha, ha, poor, little wretch! Five disgusting fellows of this countryside already proposed me in vain. ’

‘Peter is a good man. Humble and simple,’ said her sister.

‘You are a backdated girl.’ Naomi said quite angrily. ‘I won’t marry any of them. They all are poor. And I will marry a rich man.’

‘You can’t choose your husband in your own judgment, rather you should pray to God. He will provide you a good husband. You should wait for the right man.’ said Salome softly.

‘Again you are talking like a fool.’ said Naomi. ‘I can’t let anyone to choose my husband, whom I’ve never seen. It’s my own job. Ok? As my life is my own, and I’ve to lead it at my own will. Don’t tell me again about your God. Let Him be yours.’

Salome was very sad to hear the blasphemous way her sister was talking. She paused a while, then said:

‘Our father is a pastor. We hear about God, our Heavenly father everyday. But you don’t believe Him. What’s wrong with you?’

‘There isn’t any thing wrong with me.’ Naomi’s tone was bold. ‘I have brains, and I’ll do what seems good to me. I’m not blind like you.’

Salome wanted to tell her more about God, but she found Naomi had left the room without showing any excuse.

She sighed and thought. ‘We’re two sisters. Our father is a pastor of a Baptist Church. He is well known for his good behavior and simplicity. Everybody respects him. But his younger daughter doesn’t believe in God. It is a great pain for us.’

Then Salome knelt down and prayed for Naomi.

The father of these two young girls was a very good man. He got honors from others. But his wife and his youngest daughter didn’t have much respect towards him. To them he was a worthless man. It was because Joe, (for that was his name) got a little salary. The members of his church were very poor. Most of them were farmers. They loved their pastor. So often they brought something for their pastor. Joe and his oldest daughter were happy in their simple station. They loved their Lord. But the mother and the youngest daughter were quite opposite of them. They wanted to live in luxury. Joe everyday tried to make them understand that they should be happy with what they got from God. But they would not hear him, and his wife often ridiculed him for being happy with a little supply.

One day Naomi came back home from outside. She was very excited. She went to her room, where she found Salome cleaning the room.

She stopped Salome and wrapped her with her arms. ‘I’ve met a very handsome man in the street, who has come from the capital. And he said I’m the fairest lady he had ever seen.’ said Naomi with smile.

‘How did you meet him?’ asked her sister.

‘Well, I was walking on the green fields beside the road. The man was driving a car. You can’t imagine how nice his car was! When he saw me, he stopped the car and asked me an address.’

‘Address! What address?’

‘Well, it was Jenny’s address. And I told him his destination. While leaving, he told me that.’

‘So what? Why are you so excited? You don’t know anything about the man.’

‘Don’t I know anything?’ said Naomi. ‘I inquired about him from Jenny. The man is a businessman. He’s come here for business with Jenny’s father. And ...’ she paused a while, ‘and ... he is unmarried.’

‘Unmarried!’ Her sister nearly shouted. ‘Why are you so excited that the man is unmarried?’

‘Because... if he proposes to me, I’ll marry him.’

‘What! Will you marry without our parents’ consent?’

‘Haven’t I told you so?’ said Naomi. ‘If the man proposes, I won’t care if our parents disapprove.’

Then without giving Salome chance to ask any questions, Naomi left the room.

What could do Salome? She prayed. That was the thing she used to do.

The next day all the members of the family were present at their living room. Salome informed her parents about Naomi’s intention. The family sat together to discuss the matter. After some dispute, Joe said in a mild tone:

‘Dear Mom, (for he often called his daughters Mom) are you determined to marry that man?’

‘Yes daddy,’ said Naomi. ‘It’s my own life, and I hope you won’t be an obstacle to our union.’

Her father sighed and said again, ‘We love you as God also loves you and everyone. I don’t want to see my daughter in hell. If it isn’t the right choice, you will face hell in this world and the world hereafter.’

‘Daddy, don’t preach your gospel here.’ said Naomi rudely. ‘I’ve heard it so many times.’

Everybody felt sad by the way Naomi was talking and leading her life. Her father didn’t say anything more.

‘But the man isn’t a Christian.’ said Salome.

‘Nor am I.’ Said Naomi smiling. ‘I’m not a Christian according to your Book.’

Then all kept silence. They were afraid to ask any more questions or try to make her understand, lest she would answer in more blasphemous ways.

Two days later Naomi left her parents and sister at night. She left with the man. Her family found a message on the table in the morning. She wrote not to search for her, and she thanked them for raised her up. She also assured them that she would not come back again to disturb them.

They were very sad for the young lady. And the family moved to another city, for it was very dishonorable for a pastor.

Many days passed by. Salome got married and had two sons. Her husband was also a good pastor like her father. Her mother died. Before her death, she told that she knew about Naomi’s departure and she supported her and she was sorry for that. She also confessed to her husband and to God also. Then she died peacefully. Joe was then very old. He lived with his daughter and his days were passing happily with the grandchildren.

On a winter evening Mark (Salome’s husband) was coming home after his visit to one of the families of his church members. He saw a woman sitting under a tree, quivering violently in the cold. She had only summer clothes on, and even they were shabby and worn. He asked her whereabouts but she only opened her lips. The woman was too weak to talk to him. Understanding the awful condition of the woman he took her to his house. Salome nursed the woman. After a few days, the woman was able to talk. The first words she uttered were ‘Oh God! Have pity on my soul.’ And after that she again fell asleep. After a few more days, she could speak clearly for a longer time. Salome asked her name, where she was from, how she came there, and what happened to her. To answer she cried again, ‘Oh, God! Have pity on my soul. It’s my punishment.’ and then she began to cry. When her weeping was over, she said, ‘Oh, why I didn’t wait? I chose the wrong person. He left me. I chose the wrong way.’ and then she again wept.

After a long time when Salome asked her name, she said, “Call me not ..., call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.”

‘Naomi! Is your name Naomi?’ cried Salome. ‘And what is your father’s name? What is your sister’s name?‘ She became very excited.

‘Oh, poor Salome, and Joe, dear father!’ cried the woman.

‘Father, father!’ cried Salome. ‘See, we’ve got Naomi back. Oh, dear sister! Glory is to God. His mercy is forever.’ She was praising God loudly.

Their father came in and Naomi confessed her sin. She said that she had received Christ as her Saviour. She learned to love God through much will and woe.

Then at last the family was reunited. And what a happy union it was! And, of course, Naomi learned to wait for the decisions of God.

Next Guest Post coming in a few days!!

Wanna Write A Guest Post??

I kind of feel like I've covered most everything I can think of on relationships and all. Feel free to correct me if you think there is still something you'd like to read about, and I'll see what I can do. : ) But I thought I'd get some of y'all to write some guest posts for me. =) I'd like you to tell your stories. Are you courting someone now? Have you dated someone? Are you married? Or are you like me, and have never really been in a relationship? Whatever it may be, I know we'd ALL love to read it! : ) I'd LOVE to get a bunch of posts and do a few weeks of guest posts...but that all depends on how many of y'all are willing to do this!!

So please leave a comment letting me know if you'd like to write for me...and then AS SOON AS POSSIBLE email me your post! I only say 'as soon as possible' because I'd like to start posting as soon as possible. : )

My email is katemarie03@gmail.com and just type "Guest Post" in the subject line so I'll know what it is.

Can't wait to hear from y'all!! =) =) =)