Monday, January 17, 2011

Choosing Courtship


 

My family was introduced to the idea of courtship quite a few years ago through the stories and testimonies of other Christian couples.  During that time we all agreed it was definitely the route to go and through the years found several good resources concerning the topic.  Some of my favorite books include I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris along with his other book Boy Meets Girl (Say Hello to Courtship) and Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally.  On my 13th birthday I made the committment to remain physically, emotionally, and spiritually pure not only for my future husband, but for my parents and most importantly for my Lord Jesus Christ.  As a teenager I always knew I would never have a "boyfriend".  Rather, I would wait until the season of life when I was ready to be married before any kind of relationship would ever begin. On my 16th birthday I decided to have dinner with my parents in order to spend that time further discussing what all we believed exactly in regards to courtship.  It was at that time that I made the committment to steadfastly pray for my future husband, with the realization that God intends for a prospective wife of noble character to bring her husband good, not harm, all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:12)  Since then I have remained content in fulfilling the callings God has placed on my life by serving my family at home.  I've always known and trusted that if it was the Lord's will for me to someday marry, then He alone would be responsible for writing my love story.  This was something I determined to leave in His hands in order to avoid involving my own self at all.  I even prayed for Him to make me completely "oblivious" and "unaware" of the young man who would someday become my husband until just the appropriate time.  I didn't want to deal with the struggles of fantasizing over 'every Godly guy' that came my way prior to that, and it was important to me that my love not be awakened until it so desired. (Song of Solomon 2:7, 3:5, 8:4)  In other words, it's been my prayer that the Lord would keep my heart guarded and that He would prevent me from ever prematurely romanticizing in any kind of way.  ...And that prayer still stands today! ;-)

"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:
do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."
Song of Solomon 8:4

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Taylor, First, congratulations!!! It has been such a blessing to watch you grow and mature, both physically and spiritually. Several years ago when I knew of you and your sisters desire to court, I have been praying for you all and your future spouses.(Lord willing) What a joy it will be to watch this phase of your life, just as it has been to watch each phase. I just received "Joyfully at Home" by Jasmine Baucham if you or your sisters would like to borrow it. In Christ, Susan

Amber Noella said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!! So happy for you!

Kristen said...

Hi! I'm going to court before marriage too, and I was wondering. What exactly are all the rules and beliefs ya'll have on courtship? I'm a second generation Christian, and neither my parents or I know all that much about courtship. My parents only knew dating. I'd really appreciate if you could do a post on that for all us readers. Have a blessed day! =D

Because He Lives,
Kristen

Taylor said...

Susan & Amber: Thank you both so much!

-----------------------------------

Kristen: I'm so glad you've made the decision to court before marriage. Yes! I would love to do a post on my beliefs about the "rules" involved with courtship. I'm so glad you asked! I'll do my best to get that up sometime soon... So be looking! ;)

-----------------------------------

Blessings,
-- Taylor

Shelly said...

I'm so glad that God layed it upon our hearts to choose courtship. You and your suitor are such excellent examples for me, Samantha and Eliza!! I thank you for that. :) When my time comes, I sure hope to go about this as well as you two have been. Go courtship!! ^_^

Love,
Shelly

Anonymous said...

Congrats! So happy for you!

Unknown said...

Oh goodness, Taylor...just whenever I see your name/blog name, I get all excited for you ALL over again!! :) I'm SO happy for you and your suitor...I'm keeping you in my prayers.

*hugs*
Beautiful post ;)

Lindsay said...

Great post, Taylor!! : )

Unknown said...

you are invited to frollow my blog

Anonymous said...

I haven't read your blog in a while, shame on me, it's filled with such good news! I am happy to hear about your dad and your new friend. It will be hard to keep from romanticizing but stay focused on God and He will make it easier for you both. Love and miss you and your family, Moe