He said he won't marry me (& other news)

He said he won't marry me...

Until he reads every single blog post.

He's already read 2012 (my least prolific year) and has already lived the few posts of this year.
He's finished 2007 and a whole lot of 2008.
But, I did so much writing in 2009-2011...ohmygoodness...I fear we'll never marry.
He just wants to know everything and I adore that about him.

(I've actually had guys say to me before, "um, you won't expect me to read your blog, will you?" as a concern of condition for us dating. But not this guy.)

He kind of can't get enough of me.
And I really can't get enough of him.
It's almost ridiculous.
Except that it's not.
It's the sweetest thing I've ever known.

I love this time in my life. I love how fresh the world looks. I love how right it all feels.
I. am. happy.
And can I just say?
It was worth every bit of waiting and praying and hoping and trying yet again.
(we just can't ever give up on what we really want...we just can't...you just can't.)

And in other news...

WAIT. DID SOMEONE SAY IT'S FEBRUARY?
And we know that that means...
It's my birthday month.
But, funny...
I think I'm realizing now that I don't actually need a whole month to celebrate.
I don't even need a whole week (though, let's be honest, I won't turn down anyone's attempt to celebrate my birthday).
I just love having "him" in my life.
It's enough for me.
I think my friends are grateful to be off the hook this year.
Last year was a lot of pressure.
(Though if you want to relive the happy memory of last year, here it is. And I still get teary when I watch it. That was a day of love that will never be forgotten.)

And still in other news...
Lest you think I've been spending all my time falling in love...

This little book, encouraging youth how to "put on the whole armor of God", is available now:

And this little well-timed gem, a book helping today's youth prepare for missions, will be available in May:

Super honored to be a part of these projects.
AND to celebrate my birthday week, I'm doing a little give away for ARMOR UP.

If you would be interested in getting a copy of ARMOR UP and willing to spread the word then put a note about it on your blog or facebook (or commit to send an email out to people that you know) and leave a comment here. I'll be giving away a copy for you and/or the favorite teenager in your life to THREE of you!

Winners will be announced Sunday night, February 10th so just comment & share before then.
Ready? Go.