As with all things that are beautiful, there is a time of growth. Our friendship began truly growing after Bradley and my dad had several conversations. They talked for about a month, going out to eat and doing things together. Then dad suggested that we email each other because at the time I had a full load at college and texting would be too distracting. This is when we learned how to fit pages worth of conversation on our ipods. :)
There is only one way to truly know an individual and that is to hear from their heart, share their burdens, and learn through their experiences. Over the next period of time we were carefully becoming friends and also having a blast!
My family took a vacation to Florida for a week during May of 2010. While we were gone Bradley wanted to order flowers to come where we were staying, but my dad said he didn't want to have them in the car when we rode home. :) So the day we got home I was totally surprised by a large bouquet in my name! These we the first flowers that I had ever received and the first flowers he had given to anyone. It was a sweet and amusing time to watch me cry for joy and him so happy that it was both our "first".
Bradley met with my parents one evening after Church by themselves. I learned later that they discussed the possibility of a courtship. Bradley and dad created a paper that had goals before, during, and after courtship, books to read, monetary goals, and personal guidelines. That sounds like they were making plans for building construction or something. But if you think about it they were preparing the foundation for our possible marriage which is far more important and vital to last over the years! Bradley was overwhelmed slightly, but eager to get started and had lots of ambition.
Just a small side note. Maybe you have noticed that in each of the pictures a little more hair on my dear one's head. :) Well, he was very determined to have it crew cut. And yet after one instance of me noticing another fella's hair, (which I felt bad for afterward) without saying anything he started letting his get longer. I found this too funny and a good surprise! He now enjoys his hair by the way!
One more great experience we shared was with our youth pastor and we signed a dating covenant through our Church. I remember Bradley being somewhat nervous, and I was too because this was the first time that I had ever done this. The wisdom that Bro Huckabee gave and the stories he shared encouraged us to be an example and make the best decisions. This was an opportunity that I am very thankful for and will remember for years to come!
There are several books that I read during our courtship that were amazing materials! One of which is Preparing To Be A Helpmeet by Debbie Pearl. The section I enjoyed the most was learning the different types of men and how they work, lead the home, and express themselves. I would recomend all young ladies to read this before going into a courtship. (Also not too young :)
Blessings!!
Heather Nichole
Heather,
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled for you and impressed by your beautiful attitude. By following the right steps, God has brought you into a sweet and pure relationship.
Congratulations, and I hope your example will be an inspiration for many.
Bethany