We're Engaged!

Joey's story- So, Jen and I are now engaged. She said yes! I'm not sure what kind of high-powered prescription drugs she was on, but she actually agreed to marrying me. While I would love to continue the suspense I figured that we'll go ahead and tell you how it happened (especially for all you malicious gossips and those people with too much time on their hands).

We got up this morning really early and went to Pretty Place to watch the sunrise. If you want to know more about it you can look it up here... http://www.campgreenville.org/chapel.htm. We sat there for a while and took lots of pictures of the gorgeous sunrise - some of which you can see below. For those of you who haven't been there we highly recommend going sometime. Then after the other shutter bugs left I read some Scripture about the wonder of God's creation. Somehow I magically transitioned into reading some verses that remind me of Jen (see previous post - by the way, I never asked her to come sit beside me while I was doing this, she just made the move on her own - I guess she hasn't read Ephesians 5 yet. We'll have to work on that!). Then we prayed together, after which I told her we weren't just there for the amazing sunrise. I then got down on one knee, told her how beautiful she was and that I loved her, and asked her to be my wife. She said Yes!

A few tears, an hour drive, and one bathroom stop later we were back at her house to celebrate with her family. Apparently the crying was contagious, because her mom and sister got in on the act as well.

Jen's take on things- Ok, so that is pretty much right (although I'm not so sure about his interpretation of Ephesians 5! :) ). Today has been amazing- I think I've been glowing all day- smiling so much my face hurts!! I told Joey I felt like I was dreaming, to which he responded with a kind pinch (several times) to assure me of the reality of it all. I tried to take a nap this afternoon (the day started so early) but I was so excited and my ring was sparkling so much- I just couldn't sleep! Joey did a terrific job picking out an absolutely gorgeous ring and proposing in the perfect way- I couldn't imagine it being any better. I'm so thankful to God for him and can't wait to be his wife.

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1

Pre-Engagement. Sorry about the pose - it's bright and early. Jen looks happy already. Maybe it's because she was up all night anticipating what would happen later.

This is the spot! Pretty Place before sunrise.

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Today's the Day!

I decided a few months ago when this address was open to go ahead and reserve it for us. I know, I know, maybe it was a little presumptuous of me, but I think I've known for a while. In fact (it's of course much easier to say this looking back that it was then), I would like to think that I've known since July or August that it was God's plan for us to be together. Well, today's the day. Actually maybe not today depending on when this posts, but more like tomorrow (12/28).

Shhhhh - don't tell Jen, it's a secret and she doesn't know yet. Although I currently feel quite clever because I went to borrow her computer to type this and her ring was in my pocket the whole time. I'm not going to tell you how it goes down, because I want you to come back at least one more time to the site. However, hopefully we'll use this to update you (our families and friends) about our relationship as it moves forward. Hopefully it will also become a virtual plethora of wedding information and life updates.
So, here we go. We look forward to many of you being on the journey with us. I'll leave you with a few verses that remind me of Jen.

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastnes, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 2: 5-8

Do not let your adornment be merely external - the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing - but let your adorning be in the hidden person of the heart with the unperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:3-4

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband... Proverbs 12:4a An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. Proverbs 31:10