we love because He first loved us

 

Cheers to you, friends! You are engaged and my heart could not be any happier for you. I pray that your marriage is everything that God has designed it to be. In a world where materialistic things consume us, it is easy to get caught up in the wedding planning and beautiful slightly hectic chaos. My prayer for you is that you do not forget what this engagement and marriage is truly all about.

In the midst of this beautiful love, do not forget to glorify God in your lives and in your relationship. You cannot know love without first knowing God. I pray that you put Him first in all your planning and for eternity as you two start your lives together as one.

Don’t let the world warp your idea of a wedding. Don’t get me wrong. I’m super excited for the decorations, the dancing, (perhaps some wine?), the tear-worthy presence of love and happiness. The world’s definition of a wedding is all about presentation. The prettiest and shiniest ring, the most gorgeous dress, the perfect colors, all the beautiful flowers, the perfect venue, and so on. We often get so caught up in the dream of a wedding and the way that the movies portray love that we forget the Director that has the BEST script for our love journey: God.

God has so many plans for you and your future spouse. Marriage is sacred. Marriage is to be held in love and honor.  It is a beautiful commitment between two who become one flesh. In Ephesians (Ephesians 5:25-33), the Bible states that husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Husbands should love their wives as their own bodies, nourishing and cherishing it, just as Christ does for the church. A woman is not independent of man (don’t worry ladies, men aren’t independent of women either) and as a wife, submit to your husband and be a holy woman hoping in God.

You two are beginning a journey together. 

Don’t let the world corrupt your idea of love. It isn’t about forever butterflies or the magical music playing in the background as you two frolic in a meadow filled with dandelions. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love means slowly losing your mind (Just kidding. Couldn’t resist throwing my 27 Dresses quote in there). Who knows, you may lose your mind slightly. Let’s face it, that toilet seat is going to be left up a couple times and the comfy large t-shirts may or may not disappear from his closet and become pajamas.

However, God has created a love that is absolutely beautiful. Don’t worry about the arguments, the disappearance of butterflies and floating hearts in your eyes. Love is so much more than the movies portray. And God is so so ready for you to enjoy that! Please, let Him be the director and writer of your love story.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails.

God blessed you with one another. Smile at that. Heck, dance around in the living room and jump for joy. God gave you one another. Don’t forget to praise Him for that. You two are so blessed and so loved. In the midst of the chaotic planning and new journeys, focus on God, focus on His love for you two.

 I pray that you two are blessed with an amazing love. I pray that when times get tough, you are aware of His presence and learn to help each other lean on Him. I pray that you two share many years of laughter and adventures. May you both feel His peace and always keep your heart and mind open to His guidance in your marriage.

Girlies, you are going to make an absolutely beautiful bride. You are going to make an amazing wifey as well. Don’t feel stressed out with any planning. Give it all to God. Like I said, just let Him write the story. Smile at your blessing. Be thankful for all God has given you. You are such a capable, loving, and gorgeous woman of God. I am so happy that you have found a sweet man that you are ready to spend your life with as husband and wife. You deserve this joy. I cannot wait to watch you say “I Do” and be around to witness the journey God has created for you and your future husband.

Men, you hurt her and I’ll kill you. (Kidding.) But seriously, you are a wonderful gentleman. You will make a fine husband. Remember to put God first in this journey. Smile at your beautiful blessing as well. You are an intelligent, strong, and handsome man of God. I am so happy that you have found your gal that you get to call your wife. You two make a beautiful and strong couple. I can’t wait to watch your relationship bloom!

So cheers to you two! Cheers to a lifetime of adventures you will share together! Be excited. Be joyful. Laugh. Dance. May God bless you two and may your marriage be more beautiful than your wedding.