Funny how time flies when your having fun....

October 3rd was year two... and for the last week this Janet Jackson song has been running through my head. When anniversaries come around I like to reflect on how my life has progressed since the start of my relationship and I'm so happy to say that... he makes me happy daily... he has made me better. And all I can say is THANKS! But, even more he challenges me to be a true woman...

My small group and I are reading the book Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge. We've only worked through the first chapter, but I've learned so much already. One statement stood out the most and reminded me of my relationship with Justin. "A woman in the presence of a good man, a real man, loves being a woman. His strength allows her feminine heart to flourish. His pursuit draws out her beauty. And a man in the presence of a real woman loves being a man. Her beauty arouses him to play the man, it draws out his strength. She inspires him to be a hero." (pg. 18). After reading that statement, I was floored. I can say that's what Justin has done for me. Relationships in the past they've been alright, and that's being nice. Realistically, no woman wants to take the lead all the time. But, he has told me no, taken the lead and loved me with all my ups and downs. Our relationship was birthed out of a friendship (and a campaign of friends ;-)) but I wouldn't change a thing. The lessons I learned on patience, on submission, and on love have been outstanding. He allows me to fully open my heart, I can trust him with it without fear that he'll damage it... it's a great feeling. More importantly, he is the counter to all that I've ever thought about being an independent woman. That I have to be in charge always, that I have to control and plan all things, that I have to follow a certain formula for love... nope, he holds my heart tendering and makes decisions with me in mind. But, more importantly he loves God more than he loves me. That makes everything worth it...

From the fall of 2003, Justin has held a special place in my heart. As a great frat brother, one who took the ministry of Alpha Nu Omega, Inc. seriously, he caught my attention. As a great friend and brother, who never came at me with other intentions, but to support and protect, he gained more of my love and attention. On December 26, 2007, we shared the phrase "I Love You" and those words have continued to ring in my heart and through out relationship. With conflicting ideas on topics, we still express ourselves in love, when making future decisions we consider one another with love, in our expressions of feelings love is always the focus.

After years of friendship and romance, I realized with this milestone, that I love him more today, than yesterday, I'll love him more tomorrow and it will only grow exponentially as we experience more.