It all started...

12 years ago today!  Today is the "anniversary"of our first date!  And yes, I do remember the exact day--February 28, 1998.  We went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant and then to see a movie--Titanic, of all movies!  Not really the best "first date" movie in my opinion. Anyway, we obviously both had a good time that night, because we've been together ever since.
This picture was taken about a month after our first date.  I guess I didn't want to jinx our new relationship by posing for pictures too soon.  So there's no picture of us on our first date, but I do have some visual memories from that evening etched in my mind.  Oh, and yes, I still own this dress and wear it occasionally.  Of course, not right now being pregnant and winter.  But Shawn still wears the tie and the suspenders are somewhere.  Look out they might make a comeback, after he sees this picture.

 I always knew there was something different about this guy from the moment we started spending time together.  A difference that I liked and was intrigued with.  During my freshman year at Oklahoma Christian University, I found myself worrying a lot about finding the right guy.  For some reason, I sensed a little bit of that ticking clock feeling, that the "good ones" would all get snagged before I found one for myself.  I went out on dates with a few guys--and some were lucky enough to get second or third dates--but they just weren't quite right for me.

The summer after my first year of college, I was preparing to go on a semester long study abroad in Japan and Australia.  I didn't see myself being interested in any of the guys that were to go on this trip with me, so I made up my mind to not let myself worry about boys for the semester.  Besides, I wanted to enjoy all the amazing experiences I would have in these places without worrying about impressing someone.  The more I thought about this decision, the more I realized that in the past I hadn't really let God be the man in my life.  At some point in my semester abroad, I made the decision to quit worrying about finding the right guy myself, but instead to let God give him to me.
When I returned to OC in the spring, this peace about men continued for me as the new semester started.  And wouldn't you know it, but God answered my prayer!  It was actually the day before classes were to begin, that Shawn and I were both invited by mutual friends to a pizza restaurant, Cici's.  I thought he seemed very nice and cute, but really we just had a good time with friends.  God had already taught me to rely on Him and not get myself worked up about the possibility of a relationship with a guy, just because he was cute and talked to me.  But in the weeks to come, I cautiously enjoyed a casual friendship with him.  I told VERY few people that I was becoming interested in him.  It was probably a month before I said anything to anyone, which was unlike me.  I guess I did this because I didn't want my feelings to get in the way of God's plan for Shawn or me--even if that plan didn't have us together.  Slowly, he started to show signs of being interested in me too.  And it wasn't long before he asked me out on a date. 
That's basically how our story began--or at least my version of it.  And I'm so very thankful for the story that we've made since then--the memories and adventures together, and two fantastic kids plus one more on the way.  Shawn still makes me laugh and inspires me to be a better person and child of God.  I'm so thankful that God brought him into my life and for the lesson in being content that God taught me before meeting him.  I know now that during that time--that lesson--God was preparing my heart for Shawn, my husband. 
Twelve years later, we're a bit older looking (or should I say, more mature), but we're still very much in love.  Now, don't be fooled.  We've had our ups and downs like just about every married couple, but God has strengthened us and sustained our love for each other even through struggles or challenges.  I'm so thankful for that.  I'm also thankful for Shawn and for the family we have together.  But ultimately, I'm thankful for my Heavenly Father, who blessed my life at just the right time with a wonderful man to share this family with.  My cup is overflowing!

At different times in my life, I've done a better job listening and following rather than blazing the trail I think God wants for me.  But I think I can confidently say I did my best listening at this time in my life.  And I'm equally confident that He blessed me for that in a tremendous way.  So I encourage you to listen to the Father's will for your life as well.  No matter what your stage in life, He will bless you immeasurably if you're listening and following His will.

If you're still here reading this post, thanks.  I knew you loved me! :)