Wednesday, January 2, 2013

It's Been Awhile...

I had no intention to leave this blog dormant for so long, but life took off and left me scrambling.  For not posting, I apologize.  For not posting while I wasn't thinking quite straight, you're welcome.

Wow.  Thinking through all the adventures I've had since I last posted takes me through so many memories.  So much has happened; where do I begin?

Shortly before Nationals in June a young man started to show interest in me.  I was entirely unprepared and unsure of what to do with the wide range of emotions I was feeling.  I was charting unknown territory.  It was good, but it was unknown nonetheless.

I met him about five years ago through speech club, but had never really formed a friendship, or spent much time with him.  Soon after Josh died in May my family started attending his church, and I grew closer to many people, including this young man and his family.

Through a comedy of errors, many tears, and much happiness, Aaron and I started our courtship on August fifth, his twenty-first birthday.

We have learned so much individually and together since then.  God is so gracious!  From a surprise Nerf attack and breakfast on my birthday, to roses and lots of coffee, poems and songs, dancing, reading the Bible, praying, singing, waiting out in the cold to see the Hobbit at midnight, snowshoeing, ice-skating, teasing on Christmas Eve and cooking... These have been the most beautiful five months of my life.

I was trying to think of how I could possibly boil it all down to one lesson, and I don't know if I'll be able to do that effectively, but I'll try.

Through being the recipient of a godly man's love for these months, and having him care for me in innumerable ways I have seen a shadow of what God's love for me looks like.  I have seen a man giving me his love and energy and gentleness and care.  I've seen him give and give and give and give, and while I try, there are times when I've been sick or feeling down and I cannot give back.  I've been served when I've been unable to serve him.

He doesn't do this out of duty or necessity.  He does it out of love that I could never deserve.

How very like our King!  And this love that I am so in awe of is only a shadow of the sort of love God has for His people!

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God!  
The children of mankind take refuge 
in the shadow of your wings."
(Psalm 36:7)



Photo Credit: Gabrielle Photography


It's good to be back.  I'm not sure how often I'll be able to post, or what I'll be writing about, but it is a joy to write again.  We'll see what the Lord does!

Blessings on you all!

Over and out,

~Emily

P.S. Isn't he SO handsome?!

18 comments:

  1. Young lady, it brings great joy and pleasure to me to read your words. May our Father of great mercy and joy continue to work through y o u to impact any others with the pure joy that comes from loving and serving Him. Thank you for you love for and trust in our Father of mercy and pleasure. My treat to know you both.

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    1. Thank you so much for your encouragement, Mr. Heck! God bless you!

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  2. Congratulations on your courtship! Praying that everything goes according to the Lord's plan. :)

    Take care,
    ~Nela

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    1. Thank you so much, Nela! I so appreciate your prayers.

      Blessings!

      ~Emily

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  3. Nah, he isn't THAT good looking. ;) Haha, Just kidding little sister! So happy to see you writing again! It feels great, doesn't it?
    Love ya lots!
    ~Tedly

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  4. Oh, Emily... you posted. I am SO glad.

    Your words are beautiful, and so very true! I'm praying for you guys, and very happy for you. :)

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    1. Thank you so much, AJ, for your friendship, and for your encouragement. I love you so much.

      ~Em

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  5. We too have enjoyed watching our son's love blossom with yours in return. You too have displayed unconditional love towards him for his mistakes/sins. We couldn't be happier for you both.
    -Aaron's mom

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  6. EMILY! OH my goodness this makes me squeal with happiness inside and you guys are ADORABLE together and I wish I was better about keeping up on facebook because I miss you something awful but I am so happy for you and I have missed hearing bits of your mind on your blog and I'm happy you're back and actually just happy for you in general and I LOVE YOU!! sorry for the run on sentence...got a little excited there. =)

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    1. Oh Hannah, you're such a sweetie! I miss you, too! Hehe... your comment really made me happy... Love you so much, girl!

      ~Emily

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  7. Okay, you guys are seriously ADORABLE!! :D It makes me so happy when I see you together. Praying for you guys!

    And yes, he is rather handsome. ;)

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    1. Aww... Thank you, Riah! And thank you especially for your prayers.

      Blessings!

      ~Emily

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  8. Congrantulations Emily! So glad to be able to read your blog again. You guys are so cute together. :)

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    1. Thank you, Cady! It's good to be back. =)

      ~Emily

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  9. Hey Emily,
    At Nationals your mom had mentioned to us briefly that you "had a guy" but that it wasn't official yet. I have been wanting to see what he looks like since then, so thank you so much for posting. :D You are a treasure and he is sure a lucky man. Please keep all your blog readers posted on this special time of your life.
    Love always,
    Rachel

    p.s.
    Please tell Becky that I say "hi". :)
    p.s.s.
    I missed seeing you at the Oregon Trail Qualifier. Will you be helping at Medford?

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    1. Hey Rachel!

      Oh man, it's so funny to think back to what was going on between us back then. The Lord has done so much! I will be helping at Medford for at least a day or two. So excited to see you there!

      Love you, girl!

      ~Emily

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