Marriage: What I've Learned

     When I was in Colorado, a friend of mine had asked me a question. She said, "What do you think you've learned most in marriage?" I told her it was definitely a hard question for sure, and that I'd have to think about it.
     I think for the most part, it's doing exactly what the Bible says to do or not to do. Love keeps no record of wrongs. (1st Corinthians 13:5) I think when you go into marriage, and live every day life, you have to remember that you live with a sinner. You also have to remember that you're a sinner yourself. You both have faults, and you both sin constantly. No one is perfect. You shouldn't go into marriage assuming that they're going to be perfect in areas that you think they'd be. Yes, they may be great in those areas, but don't set an expectation that they or you can't meet.
     For me, I tend to set the expectation for myself too high. I want to make dinner the best for my husband. I want the house to be clean when my husband comes home, all the time. I want my life together, and I want to know what I want. However, because I'm a sinner, I fall short of those expectations for myself, every single day. I'm proud of myself if I can even get my husband's egg yolks to not crack while I cook them. ;)
     I'm not perfect. I struggle every day with being a wife, and soon-to-be mom. I have thoughts that are sinful, I do things I know I shouldn't do. I have temptations and struggles just like everybody else. I'm not pretending that I have it all together. Marriage does take work. It takes work to serve other people above yourself. It takes work to remember that the other person might be right, and that whether they're right or not, "Love does not insist on it's own way." (1st Corinthians 13:5)
     When Josh and I had premarital counseling, we promised each other, and wrote it down, not to leave the house when we're still upset with each other, or need to talk things out. We've been late for things a couple times, because things had to be worked through.
    So, yes, marriage does take work, but I wouldn't have it any other way! I'd rather work through things with Josh, then to work alone by myself.
     My parents, and so many others have been a wonderful example to me of what a good, Godly marriage looks like, and I'm so grateful that I have a husband who's a wonderful man, and who'll be a great dad soon!
     I think this woman said it best in her post: http://www.girldefined.com/my-selfishness-marriage-ruined-satisfaction

• I would now consider myself a happily married woman. Will marriage be smooth sailing in the future? Most definitely not. However, I have learned where my hope and trust needs to be. I know that my Heavenly Father will give me His truth, through His word.
• I will have to make the choice to step out in faith and remember that His way is perfect and His way will ultimately bring me amazing satisfaction.

I absolutely loved this article, so I thought I'd share it! http://joyforney.org/married-woman/

• In what Ways do you feel like you can be less-selfish every day?
• How can you prepare for marriage in the future, or if you're married, how can you make your marriage better?

Seasons Change

     You know, it's funny; I look back at where I was last year, and so much has changed since then. I look at my life here in Ohio, and stare in awe at the wonders God's done in my life. 

     It was a year ago, when Josh wrote a guest post on my blog, found here: http://daughterofdestiny-generation78.blogspot.com/2014/10/guest-post-surrendering.html

     Many of you may not know, but I help take care of an elderly lady just down the street from me. I take care of her, right now for one day a week, from 7:30AM-5:30PM. Mary White (Mrs. White) tells me so many stories of her and her husband. She's 92, and has 5 generations of children/grand children/great grandchildren/etc...! When I look at Mrs. White, it's very clear that she's a Christian. For her, being a child herself was just yesterday. She has so many wonderful stories, and many stories when she had to lean on the Lord for complete and full guidance. Seasons change, and she got older. She fell and broke her hip in June, and ever since then, it's kind of been down hill with constant pain, and medications. But through it all, she still finds words to praise God... and to pray. Praying is never her last resort. We pray before each meal together. When she's worried, she'll offer a prayer up to God.
      Seasons change, and one day Mrs. White will no longer be on this earth, but with God. I can't help but wonder, what kind of a person I'll be when I get old. Will my husband and I have many children, and grandchildren? Will we be healthy? Will we read the Bible and pray all the time? I pray that we will! It seemed like it wasn't that long ago that I had my "sweet 16" birthday. I didn't want to get married anytime soon. In some aspects, I wanted to stay a child my whole life. However, God has other plans. God changes heart, and with time, God changed my heart. I longed to have a husband and children. I had the image that we'd have many children and sit down in the living room with our Bible's in hand, doing devotions, together, as a family.
     Now look at me?! I'm married! I got married at 22, and I pray to God that He'll bless our home with many children in the years to come.
     So, seasons change, and so do we. I need to remember to praise God in each season of life... even in the not-so-great-times. I'm reminded of Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 11, 14 "To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.  He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him."

Labor Day Weekend Fun!

     This past week, Josh and I headed up to Wisconsin to visit with Josh's family. While we were there, they threw a "We've-tied-the-knot" party for Josh and I. 

     We enjoyed our time in Wisconsin, talked a lot, laughed a lot, had fun, and enjoyed each other's company. While there, Josh opened his birthday gifts from his brother, Joel. Likewise, Joel opened his gifts from Josh. We all had Ice Cream Cake afterwords. I also tried Frozen Custard for the first time, and it was soooooo good! :)
     I posted some pictures below of what our weekend looked like. What did ya'll do for Labor Day and/or labor Day weekend? I'd love to hear! Leave a comment below! 

Josh enjoying the party!

 Grandma Narwold holding her first granddaughter!

 Grandpa Narwold holding Norah Jane for the first time!

 Uncle Josh holding Norah

 The beautiful outdoors

 Josh holding Norah, and Josh's younger brother, Joel.

 Daddy Narwold enjoying his sweet daughter!

 I love Josh and I's rings! <3

 On our way back we stopped at Mar's Cheese Castle. It was pretty neat!

Life now that I'm married

      I've been asked by many of my friends, "what's life like now that you're married? Have you adjusted well from being away from your family and friends? What do your days look like?"
     Quite honestly, my life is fantastic! Marriage is a beautiful thing, and I'm learning how to love my husband more and more every day. I'm still a sinner, and I'm still an imperfect person. I loved the quote I saw the other day that said, "Relationships- it's more than just the dates, holding hands and kissing. It's about accepting each other's weirdness and flaws. It's about being yourself and finding happiness together. It's about seeing an imperfect person perfectly."  I can't tell you how many nights that my husband and I have cried... together; laughed... together; fought side by side...together, and how many nights we wonder how the other person see's us with such beauty.
     Life now that I'm married? I still do the things that I did when I wasn't married... only... for my husband instead. I cook meals, make sure the house is clean, read, bake, have fun playing the piano and making songs up, catching up with friends through calls/texts/social media. I make sure to have dinner ready and the table set when my husband gets home, I do laundry, try to figure out how else I can decorate our home, do Bible Study's, keep myself busy, babysit, I do grocery shopping, head to the library. I enjoy walks, and being outside. I make sure to make time to talk with my family through FaceTime. :) My life is... busy! ;) It doesn't slow down just because you're married... after all, I'm not just a daughter and sister... I'm now a wife to an awesome and amazing husband! ;)
     Adjusting to married life? It's been really great actually! It's been a smooth transition. It helped when my mom and I came out here back in October, and than I came out here another 2 times before Josh and I got married. It helped to get to know the Church family down here. They've welcomed me in with warm, welcoming arms, and I love them! I miss my family, but because we FaceTime every week, and talk on the phone more than once a week, it helps. :)  Serving others in the Church has been such a blessing to me, and I've been keeping busy with babysitting, and now teaching piano lessons! ... Taught my first lesson here in Ohio last week... it was refreshing to start teaching again. :)
     When Josh and I were going through pre-marital counseling, our pastor encouraged us to stay involved in the church. To serve others, and to make sure that we put others before ourselves. To keep Christ in the center of our Marriage, and to make sure that we set aside time for each other in the business of our lives.
    I'm reminded every day of Gods many blessings. It hasn't been all sunshine days. There have been rough days as well, when Josh and I have had to walk through some things, but in the end, we've grown even more closer in our marriage. The tears come at times, and Josh has been the best husband that I could've ever asked for, and I'm truly blessed!
    So, married life? ... it's fantastic! Being married to your best friend, and being able to see them every day, is a blast! I'm very grateful!
     "Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established... A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." ~Proverbs 16:3, 9~

The Guy We Thought We All Wanted

     We all thought we wanted the mysterious, romantic guy that you see in movies. We thought we wanted the guy who had feelings as deep as the ocean, and knew exactly what to say.
      It's natural to want to be part of that enticing image painted in romance novels and movies. However, reality is often not as beautiful as the dream, and that guy isn't really the best guy. The excitement of the drama wears away quickly when stress and instability starts to swallow you. We all want the epic love, but the best lovers are also the best friends.      The men you stay with are the ones who have dependable, honest, comical and caring natures. They are the ones who put God and and then you first and bring simple laughter to your life rather than more stress. They are laid back and positive. They don’t try to consume you. They are the goofballs. They are the guys who have the big hearts and who sometimes say the wrong things, but always come through for you.

He’s your best friend, and he’s better than the movies. He’s just a guy, and he’s great at it. He won your heart with the simple actions that make him perfect for you, and he’s great for all of these reasons, that I'm going to list below. My husband has been all of these, and I'd like to share just how wonderful he is in so many ways! :)
1. When it comes to gift-buying, you've probably had to laugh a few times and think of the phrase, "It's the thought that counts."

2. Sometimes, you find yourself in complete awe of the silly words that come from his mouth.3. He gets a lot of enjoyment out of the simple things in life.
4. Basically, getting his favorite kind of Chocolate or watching his sports team win will make him absolutely elated, and it’s awesome.
5. He comes through for you and you know you can depend on him.
6. He never picks a fight or creates problems where they don’t exist.
7. He can make you laugh in literally any situation, even when you didn't intend to laugh.
8. He doesn't hold grudges or draw out disagreements.
9. He doesn't always understand your "girl" problems, but the poor guy does try.
10. He’s honest with you. 
11. He doesn't mind making a fool of himself if it means getting a smile out of you.
12. He doesn't try to take you from your friends and family. He wants you to  love everyone you love and be happy and never tries to hold you back from relationships with others
.13. He handles difficult situations with brilliant patience. He calmly takes hardships as they come and evaluates situations for what they are.
14. He has gotten progressively better at relating to you.
15. He doesn't have any problems spending time with the people to whom you introduce to him. He doesn't cause conflicts with the people you love. He just goes with it and gets along with everyone. 
16. He keeps his word.
17. He never tries to make decisions for you. He respects your ability to make them yourself.
18. You have some pretty funny stories about some of his attempts at romance. Still, you know you wouldn't trade any of those moments for the world because the genuine nature in which they transpired made them so special to you.
19. He doesn't call you names put you down, or degrade you.
\20. You have the best time with him doing the simplest of things. Board games, movie marathons, pillow fights, long walks, jam-session car rides, take-out, dancing, funny videos and living-room tickling matches are impeccable experiences to the two of you. You don’t need anything but each other to have a blast.
21. He’s your best friend. You know he would always choose you and always have your back. You know he’ll always bring sunshine to the plainest parts of life.

You know he respects your independence and wants what’s best for you. You know he won’t bring you complications or dramatic affairs. He just brings you hugs that swallow you whole, laughter that makes your stomach hurt and forehead kisses when you feel like the world is tumbling down.

This is why this kind of man is the real hero for whom we’re all looking. He keeps it simple in a world that makes life far too complicated. Happiness is supposed to be simple and, trust me, so is love. :) 

Married Life and Wedding Day

     Today is Thursday, March 5^th. I've been married now for 5 days! Life has been amazing! Having a husband to serve on a daily basis has been a wonderful gift to me! The name change is also really cool! ;) Today, I’m back into the swing of things. Josh left this morning to go to work, and I got a couple things done around the house. Catching up with emails, cleaning the house, making the bed, making dinner, and just being a wife to my loving husband is the best thing I couldn't ever asked for! :)

     The morning of the wedding, I got up bright and early. My maid of honor, grabbed me a coffee, and the hair and makeup set up began. I wasn't nervous until about 15 minutes before Josh and I did our "first look". I was so jittery. After Josh and I did our first look, I was much calmer... Josh tend to do that to me... make me calm. ;) The wedding party gathered in the kitchen, and our pastor prayed for us and for the day. With that, the wedding began. I was extremely nervous, that I'd mess up on saying the vows, or that something would get stuck in my throat, and I wouldn't be able to talk... the "worst case scenarios" kept coming to my mind. However, as I walked down the isle with my dad, I remembered what Josh told me, "Just keep looking straight at me".  And I did. As I walked down the isle, I began to realize that my wedding day was actually here. It wasn't just a dream anymore... it was reality. As Josh and I said our vows, and said our "I do's", the moment was there. We strived daily to complete the tasks that God designed for us, in order for us to get to know each other. We continue to strive daily to serve each other. Not as single's, or lovers, (although that's a huge part) but as a partners, as a husband and wife, as a team.
     The reception was beautiful! The family and friends that came were amazing! Watching the slideshow, that Josh's brother, Joel, put together for us, was really fun! The cake cutting went well, the chili lunch was awesome! The decorations held up really nicely! The toasts that were made, the funny stories that were told, and the laughing going on, made the wedding day that more special! I'll have some pictures up hopefully in the next couple weeks of our wedding day. Thanks for all your sweet comments that I've been getting the last couple weeks! It means the world to me! :) Until next time! ~ Caitlin Narwold :)

Engagement Pictures and Bible Verse's

     Hello all! I'm not going to write a post this week, because I'm getting married on Saturday, and I'd like to spend as much time with family/friends as I can. So, I thought I'd just show some pictures of our engagement back in December, and how my hair will look for my wedding. I'll post some pictures of the wedding in a couple weeks. :)


     "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that  could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all

 things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails..and now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." ~1st Corinthians 13:1-8,13~

   



    "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or winkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."
~ Ephesians 5:22-33~

~Love
Bears,    
Believes,
Hopes,
Endures~

~Faith, Hope, Love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.~

After this week, my name will change from Caitlin Baughman, to Caitlin Narwold. I love you Josh, and I'm so incredibly blessed to be able to call you mine! You make me so happy, and I can't imagine my life without you! I love you Joshua Narwold!

Everyone thinks this picture is funny because
this is the only picture where Josh and I are
separated... and we're NEVER separated. ;)

Moments Like These

     With my wedding being 11 days away, my time with my family is coming to an end. Sure, I'll still see them, and talk to them, but I'll be married, and living in a different state. My life will be completely different than what I'm used to. I'll take on a new last name, be in a new, loving church community whom have taken me in as one of their own, have more friends, cook smaller meals, have a husband to love, a house to clean and make my own, and possibly, more time on my hands. 

     It got me to thinking about the little things in life. As I write, my little 6 year old brother, is sitting on my lap, blowing bubbles. Enjoying this moment that I have with him. To Elijah, he doesn't understand what the meaning of getting married means... aside from his sister leaving. To him, he doesn't understand that I'll still see him, and be able to talk to him through Skype/FaceTime and such. 

     So often, I took the moments that I had with my family for granted. I didn't take each day as a gift from God. I'd go through life daily, as just that... a life. A life, that I felt like was my own at times. A life that didn't take those moments, and realize that they're really "moments". They don't last forever. Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary term defines a moment, as, "an instant, the twinkling of an eye". It's only there for a moment, and than, it's gone. While I think of every opportunity that I missed out on, I realize that I can't go through life looking back on all my regrets. I need to move forward. I need to enjoy my moments in life. Sure, some moments I want to forget about, but things like, when Josh proposed to me, when I first found out he loved me, when my little brother hugged me, when my sister asked me to pray for her to get a restful night sleep, when I got my license, those special days when our family was out and about, and decided to eat out to make it all the more special.
     Moments. All my life I wanted to get married. God has answered that prayer, and in just short of 2 weeks time, I'll be a wife to the man I love. I'm on a new journey. The book hasn't ended... there's more to it... I'm on part 2. ;) So, take in the moments you have on a daily basis... even the little ones... a child's laughter, eating chocolate with a friend, the smell of coffee brewing, cold water on a hot summer day at the park with some friends, the love a child/parent/sibling/friend shows you on a daily basis. God is continuing to bless me with sweet moments with my fiancé, the love of my family, and so much more every day! 
     In what ways do you take in those moments? May you all be blessed! :)

"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalms 118:24~

"Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." ~ James 4:14~

Valentine's Day and Hearts Desire's

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” ~Psalm 37:4

   
     Valentine’s Day.  You love it when you have someone to love, and you hate it when you don’t.  Valentine’s day means something different to everyone.  To some it is just a lame Hallmark holiday, to another it a great opportunity to shower the one you love with admiration. To many, Valentine’s Day is another reminder that you’re alone. And to others, it's a great reminder that Christ was the first one to love us... after all, we love because He first loved us. (1st John 4:19)       For this Valentines, I am blessed to spend it with my fiancé, but it wasn't long ago that I remember wishing, hoping, and praying that the Lord would send me the one HE created for me. 
     There were many days I was tired of waiting, sick of crying, and wishing I didn't feel so lonely.  I’m sure there are many that are alone and can’t relate, but others that may be saying, “YES! I know the feeling!” So to those people, this is for you.  This is my story.   
      Some days were amazing as I learned God’s fulfilling love, but there were many days that the enemy would lie to me that I would never find someone to love me, my standards were too high, etc...  Almost daily I had to renew my mind to the truth of God’s word and cast down lies that I would never get married, no one would love me, and so on. 
     When fear would take over, I had to imagine myself walking down the aisle. I would renew my mind to God’s word and speak these scriptures out daily:   
      “Lord, I thank you that your word says in
 Psalm 37:4 that, “You delight in giving us the desires of our hearts.” Your word promises us that, “You withhold no good thing to those that love you.” –Psalm 84:11. I thank you that marriage is a good thing and you will bless me with this gift of marriage. Psalm 18:22 says that, “A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”   
      It’s been just 5 months since the day I met Josh and I now have a ring on my left hand to signify our soon-to-be life together.  I truly believe God created marriage as a good thing.  The Word says, “It is not good that Man should be alone; I will make him a helpmate.” –Genesis 2:18. “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.”-Ecclesiastes 4:9. 
       I pray that my story encouraged you today, wherever you are in your journey.  The Lord cares so much about every detail of your life.  He put the desires in your heart.  The more that you seek Him, the more You'll want Gods will, and desires. Don’t try to get ahead of God by trying to figure out how it is going to happen.  Trust that if He created this earth and everything in it in such intricate detail, that he has your life planned and figured out.  It will be beyond anything you can ever dream, ask, or imagine.  Our God is so faithful! :) 

 

Waiting: My Story: Part 2

        In my last post, I told the story of how Josh and I met. Going through a courtship, and seeing many courtships, my family and I have been able to see some things that work and don't work. Each family is going to be a little different, and is going to be a little more firmer or looser on their "rules". Honestly, we have biblical models to use as our guidelines, and that's what my parents and I used.
     Before I met Josh, I had many days when I wondered when "Mr. Right" would come. I dreamed of the day that my "knight in shining armor" would sweep me off my feet, and whisk me away at my call. I had anticipated to be married by 19 or 20... but God had other plans for my life. I was asked sometime in early 2014, if I'm ready to be married. My answer: I'm ready now, but I'm not wasting my life just waiting. I'm doing things to keep me busy until that day I get married.
     Many people were astonished that I still wanted to be married. In today's culture, waiting for the right one isn't very common... usually you date a couple people, and then, "maybe", after a couple years, you marry the person. Maybe, you decide to move onto the next person.
     Many people were surprised at how quickly my courtship with Josh was. Some people think that you have to know the person for several years, before any arrangements can be made. Honestly, because Josh was out of state, we talked to each other all the time! By the time we were engaged, we talked more on the phone/FaceTime/and in person than what people would talk about in 8 months time as a couple! We still talk all the time! :-) The question is, why wait 4 or 5 years to get to know each other, when you can get to know each other in a years time?!
     One thing I've noticed with many girls, and parents, is that they're expecting, "Mr. Perfect"... sorry to ruin it for you, but he doesn't exist! Everyone is a sinner, everyone has their faults. Going into the relationship knowing that the other person is a sinner, would be so helpful! I have a couple friends who's expectations are so high in what to expect in a guy, that it's practically impossible as a guy to step into any relationship. Don't get me wrong, having some sort of expectations is great! ... I had some myself! Mine were things like: Does he love God? Does he love his family? Would he put God above me? Is Christ the center of our relationship?
     I didn't have things like: He has to make $______ of money, has to have his own house, has to be perfect, has to have self-control, has to... the list can go on. Going into a relationship knowing that the other person is going to have sin issues that maybe, yes, have to be worked through. But to expect this high expectation of Mr. Perfect, is impossible.
     Honestly, because of all the stories I'd heard of my friends courtships, I wasn't expecting a good one. I was expecting more bad than good... and in all honestly, my courtship was the best that I could have ever imagined! It was a sweet time, and will continue to be a sweet time as I get to know Josh even more! And another thing... you'll continue to know your significant other even through marriage. My parents have been happily married for 25 years, and are still getting to know each other!
     So, yes, I'v had my share of waiting, and honestly, I didn't think the moment would ever come, because I felt that me as a sinner, didn't deserve anyone! ... the truth is, no one deserves anything! We're all sinners, and we all make mistakes! We will all fall short of the glory of God! (Romans 3:23)
     However, because of how good, loving, and sovereign of a God we serve, He gives us more than we deserve, including sacrificing his own son for us! You may have to still wait for a couple years to be married, or you may have your soon-to-be husband waiting around the corner, just waiting for you! Whatever it may be, wait patiently! Your patience on God, will be worth it in His timing!

Psalm 27:13-14

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Psalm 27:14

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Waiting: My Story: Part 1

     If you had told me last year that I'd be engaged by December of this year, I wouldn't have believed you! I've had my moments, when I doubted Gods plans for me, and doubted that I'd ever be in a relationship, much less, married!
     In July of this year,(2014) I wrote a blog post for my birthday: http://daughterofdestiny generation78.blogspot.com/2014/07/greater-expectations.html ... in this blog post, I have another perspective on the little things of life that God blessed me with throughout this last year, instead of looking at it as, an un-married woman.

     After I wrote that blog post, about 2 weeks later, I saw Mark Robinette and his family at a church Family Camp. I met Mark earlier that year, when he came to Russia with us, so I was excited that he was going to be one of the speakers at the Family Camp. Him and my dad were talking at one of the tables one morning, and when Mark waved for me to come over, he began telling me all about this young man, "Joshua Narwold". He kept saying how Josh would be a perfect match for me to marry! I was very doubtful, because, I didn't think there was any

chance that I could meet this young man, because after all, when was I going to be going to Ohio?!
     I gave Mark my blog name, and apparently, he called Josh almost immediately, and told him to look at my blog, and get to know my family. Josh called my dad about a week later, letting my dad know that his intentions were serious, and that he wanted to get to know me, with the intention of marriage.
     Josh came out on September 5th, to meet me and my family. He stayed in Colorado through the weekend, and we clicked immediately, and were pretty comfortable talking with each other. After he left, we started to chat via-Facebook, and talk on the phone. My mom and I went out to Ohio on October 5th, to see him, his brother and sister-in-law, and his church friends/community. As my mom puts it, "When we left Ohio, Caitlin's heart stayed with it." :) Coming back to Colorado was very sad for me, because I really felt at home there in Ohio. I was welcomed as part of the family. Josh and I continued to chat and talk on the phone daily, and got to know each other pretty well. He came out to Colorado again in November, and as usual, our time was wonderful! In December, my parents and I would fly out to Wisconsin to meet the rest of his family, and little did I know, it was going to be on that trip, that he'd propose. I've had my share of times that I felt like I'd never be married for several reasons, which I'll go over next blog post. I'd like to leave you with this Bible Verse from Lamentations 3:25-26, "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

I'm Engaged!!! :)

     Hello all! This past week, my parents and I went to visit Josh Narwold and his family in Wisconsin. While there, Josh got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him! :) Of course, I said yes!!!
   
     The Proposal Story (the short version):
     My parents and I arrived in Milwaukee,Wisconsin around lunch. We all went to Josh's parents house for lunch, stayed there for a couple hours, and then Josh said that he was ready to go. We planned ahead of time, that he was going to show me the indoor botanical gardens. We arrived there, and walked through the Christmas themed first, then the desert themed, and then the Tropical Themed. As we were walking, he was talking about how we first met, and his thoughts about me. He asked if I wanted to sit down on the bench for a little bit, and he continued to talk. After a little bit, Josh got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him! :)
    

   Apparently, Josh had it all set up to take our engagement pictures at the gardens by their family friend, Laura, whom they'd grown up with. It was quite the beautiful day! :) I can't wait to Marry the man of my life, and I'm so grateful to God for bringing Josh into my life! I love you Joshua Narwold!!! :)

Our Goodbye's at the airport. :(

Guest Post: Surrendering

Today's Guest Post was wonderfully written by Joshua Narwold! I hope you enjoy reading it just as much as I did! Enjoy!

When we pray, it’s natural to ask for the things we want; and the Lord loves to bless His children. How do we react, though, when His answer is “no”—or even “not yet”? Unbelievable as this may be when we recognize God for the all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful being He is, it’s often easier for us to trust our own vision for the future than to step out in faith and sacrifice that vision to Him.

Not long ago, as a man in his mid-20s with a renewed desire to serve the Lord, I couldn't help but feel as though I was “behind” somehow. I’d had a (somewhat blurry) image of what I wanted, which included the “right” job and marriage to a beautiful, godly woman; but I’d expected to have those things already, and I wasn't getting any younger.

Through a providential series of circumstances that tested my faith and brought me low, God revealed the true state of my heart. My life had always been in His hands, but only if it matched my expectations. I had tried to plot out my future without truly surrendering it to Him, and I had virtually nothing to show for my efforts.

For the first time, I began to acknowledge the very real possibility that His plan might look different from the “perfect" picture I had in my head. I continued to ask for specific blessings but no longer assumed that it was in my best interests for Him to answer as requested. I asked Him to reveal His will for my life rather than simply giving me the things I thought I wanted.

That’s not an easy transition for any of us to make. It takes trusting someone we can’t see with a future we don’t know; and at least for me, that kind of trust doesn't come naturally.

The words of Matthew are a comfort: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself” (6:33-34). The Lord knows what we need and is faithful to fulfill those needs (Ps. 23); and when we accept Him as the author of our story, He begins to draw our desires closer to His perfect plan.

These things take time; and even as the Lord sanctifies us in this area, we will continue to struggle on occasion with surrendering our every desire to Him. In history, this struggle is probably best represented by the biblical story of Job. If anyone had reason to doubt the power or goodness of God, it was this man; he’d had nearly every earthly blessing stripped from him as if in a moment. Listen, though, to the words our Lord as He put it all in perspective for Job:

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (38:4-7)

I’m sure Job shouted for joy as the Lord not only restored his blessings, but doubled them. May we do the same as we experience the hand of God moving in our life; and may we ultimately say with the psalmist, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever" (Ps. 73:25-26).