The day I realized I was inlove.

So it being close to V day I thought I would write a romantic post about the day I first realized I was in love! Many probably would have told me I was just infatuating but trust me! I know what it's like to be infatuated I've been infatuated with boys all my life and this my friend was the big L.O.V.E word. It's not too often when you are in love with a man before you even go out on your first date with him huh? But I was.
So this is the story of when I realized I was in love with my holy hunk!

It was around April of 2010 when Ashley (Leon's sister) and I were going to plan a beach day for June. It was going to be a girl's day but Leon wanted to tag along. (Does it look like this girl would complain??) To be honest I was so excited to see the man   walking on the beach barefoot, with his sexy hair blowing in the wind...... Anyways We finally planned a nice day to go to the beach on the first Friday of June while Ashley was on college break.  I guess you could say I counted the days and the day finally came. We planned to leave at 9:00am  and I was ready by 6:30 am.. (A little excited weren't we?) I was ready down to the chocolate cover bacon in my purse that I told Leon I would buy him..

After three hours and 30 minutes of getting lost we finally arrived and was starved. So we went to a pizza joint and Leon paid for both his sister & I. There alone, I was impressed!

After we finally got to the beach Ashley decides she doesn't want to get in the water but to stay out & read instead. So it was just Leon and I. We were in the water for a good old three hours maybe? We had the best most important conversation in that  breath taking ocean (Literally breath taking! If you're not careful it will pull you down with it's waves!!)  It started out with Leon asking me a question I honestly wasn't expecting!

Leon: So, Heather. May I ask you a personal question? Of course you don't have to answer if you don't want too!

Me: Um sure, Leon! (Nervous about what he might ask!)

Leon: So out of curiosity, What qualities are you looking for in a future husband?

This was the start of a 3 hour conversation! We talked about Passions, purity, Jesus, Marriage, Ministry, and where we saw each other in ten years. I guess you could say we covered all the questions we would ask on a first date.  He would tell me about His relationship with Jesus, his ministry, his fire and love for The Word, how much he loves writing but doesn't do it enough, and plans for being a Pastor. I was floating on clouds (Or water that is!) After hearing him pour his heart out to me about his love and passion for God I was in love! Not because of who he was, but who God was in him.. And plus his joking around and making me laugh was extra cake on the side.

 After the beach we decided to spend the rest of the day eating fatty foods.. & Leon breaking the rules (As usual) and fed the birds. We ended it  eating vanilla ice cream, taking pictures and Ashley and I attempting to take a jumping picture until the sun came down. Today was not only the day I gained five pounds (Not literally) But was also the day I fell in love with not only my husband but the first guy well... ever! And was I the kinda girl that kept it hidden?? Of course not! I told my family, best friends and every woman in my youth group I was in love with Leon and that I was gonna marry him... In fact I think I told everyone.... except Leon of course!.

you & Me

You & me: By Heather Leigh
A life together with you has been so wonderful
Together you and I in a world so colorful.

There are so many guys out there and for me, My love you are the best.
I look at you and the life we made together and I call myself  blessed.

God knew what He was doing when He paired up you and me.
He created a couple made for His ministry.

Our family will change the world with God on our side.
 No we won't sit tight. But instead enjoy the ride!

   
Okay..... I was going through my old.... old old camera back when Leon and I were dating. I actually remember this. When he picked up my guitar and started playing me the randomest songs (Not real songs nor songs that should be real!!)  But Leon's songs.. I guess this was his was of romancing me! & surprisingly it did! A girl loves to laugh you know.. Even if the songs are disgusting!!

 Ps. Don't you love his hair!! I miss it. I can't wait until I can run my fingers through it again. Now when I touch his head I feel a breeze. -_-

A lesson learned...

Okay, I have a confession to make that I have been convicted of.  You see throughout my pregnancy I would often day dream about Leon being the perfect dad. I would imagine and create an image of him being an all understanding, always patient, and an all loving dad that had Evelynne wrapped around his finger. And the sad thing is I expected this from someone who has never even held an infant for longer than two minutes!

I had to seriously repent over this because I expected Leon to be what only God could be to our precious daughter. A Perfect Daddy. 

God revealed this to me one tiring morning of only three hours of sleep pretty much. As I opened my Mothers devotional "A mom after God's own heart" By Elisabeth George. When I came across the chapter "No one's perfect" That word right there convicted me itself.  This chapter renewed my mind once again when she talked about perfection. 

"When God looks at your life- He doesn't look for perfection."  -Elizabeth George.

We all know that there is no perfect man on this earth. Not one! Romans 3:10 So, why was I pushing on Leon to be a better and more involved dad? I guess  maybe my past might have something to do with it. I've always wanted my dad to be more involved in my life. It seemed the more I got older the less he was there. And it brought much insecurity to my life. I guess I just didn't want Evelynne to experience that kind of loneliness.  But I know without a doubt that if Leon and I continue to teach our children to seek God's love before ours, to pursue God before us, to love God before us, and to receive from God before us. Than without a doubt she wont feel that loneliness. Leon and I are not perfect parents. And we admit we never will be. And I will never expect Leon to be again.

I've realized that apart of being a good mom is being a good helper to my daughters dad as well. To encourage him as he serves his  role as  spiritual head in our marriage and family. =)

Now that I no longer look for perfection in my husband as a dad. I see how good with her he really is. And quite adorable actually. <3

My favorite Daddy quotes so far that Leon has made:

"Why doesn't she just be quiet when I tell her too!"

"When do you think she'll start to act more human?"

"I can't wait until the crying stops! That will be soon right?"  (Mom's should I just tell him now?)

And my personal favorite!

"It's okay sweet Evelynne, Daddy's here!"

Over coffee. (Dating advice)

 Wow, what a great day for a coffee date isn't it?  It's freezing outside with snow and rain.. It's days like this when I just want a good cup of Starbucks goodness, a good book and a warm fire. And of course enjoy a nice coffee date with you!

With Valentines day coming up, I can understand if you have caught the love bug. So, I thought I would give you some dating advice that I have learned over the years. During dating, before dating and even after dating. If you're single please still continue to hear me out. It's never too early to get this!

I have noticed and watch a lot of young couples who date just to date. Maybe it's out of desperation, boredom, maybe the girl is just wanting attention to the extreme and would date anyone to get it. Or perhaps maybe it's just a huge fun game to them. Dear friend don't date just to date. I watch them closely and no matter how much fun their having someone always gets hurt and it's most likely the girl. It breaks my heart for them to be heartbroken because I know it's not God's plan for His daughter to be hurt. Dating is a very serious matter and should not be played with. Date with the intention to marry the man of your dreams. If you just so happen to get married, great. If not, be respectful because that man is someone else's future husband.

 if you don't understand that the Lord is your husband first, you will mistakenly expect your boyfriend/husband to be your god. Boyfriends and husbands make really crappy gods if you ask me.  And if you expect this man to be perfect you will be exhausting him and putting him into an incredible strain. Jesus wants you to know that He is your 1st Beloved, Heavenly Beloved and Perfect Beloved.  You can't love your boyfriend/husband until Jesus is your first love. 

  It is very important for both you and your boyfriend to not  rush anything!! Don't lower your standards for any guy. They are not worth it! No not even you're future husband is worth lowering your purity standards before marriage.  If he loves you,cherishes you,  and honors you(Which if he's your future husband he better!) he will respect that, honor that, and most likely even thank you for that!  Don't settle. You deserve to be treated like a princess. Because well, you are one!  The Lord tells us for the husbands to love us like He loves the church. Make sure The Lord is  your filter in all things including relationships. Do not give away anything that belongs to your future husband. That includes much more than intimacy. 

  

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Phil 4-8

  I believe it's always important to seek council from family and friends because they see the big picture when you get lost in emotions. If your family, church family and friends all say he's junk. I would definitely consider their thoughts to be accurate ;) 

 
While dating and building a friendship & possible long-term relationship that could lead to marriage, keep 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 constantly in mind. And ask these questions along the way: Do I believe that he would love me for a lifetime no matter the state of my health, weight & appearance? Or if I experience success or failure? When I'm not at my best or even at my worst? Will he love me the same when times are good as when times are rough? Will he love my children in this way? Will he love me if a time comes when I can't fulfill all his hopes and dreams? And, will I be able to do the same? Is this is character now? Don't think you're going to change him, marry a man who has that character now (or wait for him to grow up before you marry him.

Make sure  to be patient. Pursue God and let Him lead someone to pursue you. Your eyes should be so fixed on God that you don't even notice someone is pursuing you until they want to tell you they are. It's much more fun to be the one pursued anyways ;)

And while you're 'waiting', pray for your future spouse. Pray that they keep pursuing their faith and have a heart for Christ. And work on becoming the person who you're looking for is looking for.  And don't fake who you are. It's a lot of back tracking and lies to cover previous lies in the end. plus if he's the man God has chosen for you than there is no need to even try. Girl the dudes gonna love ya! 

So this is my advice to you if we were having a nice coffee conversation at the closest Starbucks in the wintery weather. I hope you are encouraged & blessed.