Noah

I have been told so many times that love is a choice. Now, I am living that out. Everyday I make a conscience decision to love Noah Daniel Irish. It is a choice that I happily make! He loves the Lord, he encourages my faith, he trusts me, and I know that I can trust him. He has a great family, he likes to talk to me (and to listen to me), he has a great laugh. He always sneezes at least five times-usually eight. He has the uncanny ability to grow a wicked beard in a short amount of time. He is willing to do Bible studies with me, he encourages me to do my own devotions, he loves others, he as a man worth looking up to. He gives me reasons to respect him every day. He is encouraging and most of the time positive. He wants the best out of this relationship.

The other day, we had the opportunity to speak with his pastor and his wife. They asked us if we truly felt called together. We both confirmed that we do. It is a strange thing to know that the man that I choose to love now, is the man that I choose to love for the rest of my life. We are not engaged nor do we plan to be anytime soon. But, as long as God keeps the doors of our hearts open to love and open to His will, we will continue on this path toward marriage. I'm excited, scared, impatient, faithful, and most of all, I find new reasons to love Noah everyday. And, as we grow in this relationship, I will continue to fall in love with my best friend. Because, that is what love is, a choice, an opportunity to love someone for the rest of your life. Your best friend, your biggest fan, and your partner in life.

Love is a choice. Love is a decision. Love is great. God's plans are best.

Realizations

I have been extremely convicted of my constant need to put others down using my sarcasm lately. I don't mean to do it. But, I have learned that words are more hurtful than actions sometimes and they pierce the heart like a needle. In addition, my pride has been rearing its ugly head. Recently, I have been placing myself in a physically lower position than those that I am talking with. It helps me to see that I am no better than them and that I do not deserve to be seen in a higher light.

So much is going on at home, yet here I am in Washington. I just wish that I could be there for my mom and that I could watch Brodie as he adjusts to life with a label. I know that they don't NEED me there. But, I WANT to be there. My family means the world to me and I just have to continue to be on my knees for them instead of just worrying myself to death; that won't help a thing!

People often ask me when Noah and I are getting married: I AM ONLY 18! Not only that, but neither of us are ready to be married. We both have a lot of growing up to do before we make that kind of a commitment. I do love him though. More than I thought was possible at this stage in my life. He means so much to me and I am getting to the place where I can't even picture my life without him.

There are three weeks left in this season of my life: first year college student. It is so crazy how quickly this year has gone by. It kind of blows my mind that I am almost a 20-something and that I am no longer going to be considered a "freshman."

Thus far, I have realized a lot about myself and the people around me and how I relate to them. I have also fallen in love with the man that I never thought I would find. Also, I am continuing to fall in love with a God that I willingly serve and worship daily.

Life: it fascinates me.