Dress LuLu’s

It’s that time of the year again.. where I start reflecting on all that’s happened, what’s special to me (especially during the holiday season), and hopes of what the new year will bring.  I know as soon as Thanksgiving is over our minds go straight to Christmas, then to New Years.  I’m trying to slow it down this month and start cherishing what’s right in front of me. I know better than anyone how easy it is to get lost with all the hustle and bustle, Christmas plans, parties, decorations, presents, and more. So I’ve made a goal for myself. To stop and pray every day for something that I’m thankful for.

A couple weeks ago I took a poll on Instagram asking if y’all wanted me to share my engagement pictures and some wedding plans!  Almost every single person voted yes.. but instead of talking about the wedding plans, I figured I would give y’all a peek at our engagement pics (except for one.. – gotta keep it a secret for the save the dates!) and share with you my prayer to God.
On my way home from Athens this week I started thinking about my engagement season and marriage.  My thoughts were everywhere as I was talking to God. I wanted to put them in writing so I can look back on them and always have them near my heart.

Dear Lord,

For starters, thank you for this day. Thank you for July 26, 2013 for when I went on my first date with James Clint Johnson and thank you for August 13, 2016 when this man asked me to be his wife.  These are the significant days in our relationship but these aren’t the days that have taught us most about love, life, heartache, or marriage.  You know which days I’m talking about..

I believe we’ve learned more about each other and ourselves these past couple months than ever before. Our relationship has been tested, our engagement has been put on trial, and our future marriage has been questioned. But it’s normal to have ups and downs, right?  The things we are experiencing are only helping us grow as a couple, correct? Peter tells us “Above all else have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). As Christians we are taught to love one another. Love you first, love others second.  You know better than anyone that C is the love of my life. Regardless of our imperfections and our sins, I still choose him. And always will.

Back to why I thank you.. I thank you for putting us in each others lives. For saving him for me. For waiting ’til after freshmen year of college to bring us together. Your timing was impeccable by the way.  Thank you giving me a man who loves me.  I mean truly loves me.. through all my flaws, my negatives, and bad habits.  A man who recognizes the good in me.. & you know I’m not talking about what’s on the outside.. Clint sees my beauty from within.  As women, I think that’s all we ever truly want. A man to love us for us, regardless of how we look.

Thank you for presenting us with bad times, so we can appreciate the good times even more.  For allowing us to  be open and speak what’s on our mind.  – I can’t believe I’m saying this, but thanks for allowing us to argue and fight.  Those are the times that we truly grew as a couple.  During the midst of some of them, I didn’t know how we were ever going to make it.  But looking back, those were the defining moments.

On a personal note, teach me to love Clint, the way you love me.  Give me a tender, compassionate heart. One that will speak when words are needed and listen when they aren’t. Help me better myself, so I can better my relationship. (when it comes to patience.. that’s the department where I need serious help)

For Clint, give him strength to finish this chapter of his life, before we join together. To bless him into the man you designed him to be.. my husband, the future father of my children, and the leader of our family. Bestow upon him wisdom, smart choices, good health, and most of all peace.  We know that’s what he needs most in his life right now.

As a couple, comfort us in our pain. Laugh with us through our happiness.
You truly are the God of love. If it wasn’t for you Clint & I wouldn’t have this deep love for one another.
So I ask, as we make our plans for the future, let them only bring us closer. Ensure our decisions are driven by your will and that our desires are pure. I pray that you’ll always guide us with your light. That this time of engagement brings hope, faith, and anticipation. We have made a promise, to make a promise.   Let us not forget why we chose each other. Sometimes in life I feel like our journey takes a road of it’s own and we forget that your plans for us are greater. Please always remind us that you know where we are going and our lives will turn out exactly how you foresee them.

Bless us in this season of life.. and for the rest of our lives, as husband and wife.
We will continue to serve you.. forever and always.

Thank you Lord
Amen