it's been a while

Where has the time gone? It's already a whole month into the new year 2015. So much has happened since my last post, I don't have time to write about all of it.

Quentin's and my wedding is almost completely planned. Crazy to think that in 47 days, I will be a Whitaker. I'm so excited! =D

We had our first Christmas together, with my entire family there. Such a relaxing and fun time.

I love my family! (yes, I say that a lot, but it's true!)

Guess what Quentin got me for my 25th birthday? A kitty! =D It's still hard to believe that I have my own cat. It makes me so happy. ^_^

Her name is Mabel, and I rescued her from Animal Control. Only wish I could keep her at my place. She's at Quentin's apartment, which I will move in to when we get married. She is super sweet - loves snuggling with me and always runs to the door when I get to Quentin's.

So, life is good. :)

Our engagement story

Quentin and I are engaged! =D
I'm still trying to let it sink in. Looking at the ring on my finger, I feel like I'm dreaming. It's hard to stop smiling. Here's the story:

On Sunday evening after work, we went for a walk at Latta Plantation. Part way down a trail in the woods, we came to a small table and two chairs. Quentin told me it was for our dinner.

When we finished eating, Quentin started taking M&M's out of a bowl and putting them on my plate. One said Em&Em's and another had a picture of us on it. Then he showed me one that said I Love You.
At that point, I began to suspect what might be coming. We had agreed earlier in our relationship to not say "I love you" unless we became engaged.

Quentin asked, "Do you remember when we said that we could tell each other that?" I said yes.
Then he got down on one knee and said, "I love you Emily. Will you marry me?" And he pulled out a ring box. I said, "Yes. Because I love you, too." Then we hugged each other for a long time.

Quentin worked hard to make the evening special for me, and I definitely felt/feel very loved. He is such a kind and generous man who showers me with gifts and blessings that I don't deserve. I am so very excited to begin planning our wedding together, and greatly look forward to the day when I get to marry the man who captured my heart.

I love you, Quentin Whitaker!

I have decided

This hymn is very true for me right now:

"I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back
No turning back"

After recent conversations I've had about God/religion, I had some doubts about Christianity. So, I did some really deep thinking about my beliefs and whether or not they are completely true. I've come to the exciting conclusion that God is real, the Bible is true and trustworthy, and Jesus is my Savior. The reason this conclusion is so exciting (apart from the fact that I have a relationship with my Creator) is that I came to it on my own. No one told me that this is what is true, I became convinced of these things myself, based on what I've experienced and seen others experience and based on what I've read in Scripture.

So, I can really sing the above hymn with my whole heart. /I/ have decided (no one decided for me) to follow Jesus! :) I am so thankful to God that He helped me truly own my faith.

It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since I moved into the rental house with other girls. I just signed to renew my lease a few days ago. Most definitely the past year has been a year of growing and maturing for me. I won't go into detail, but I'll just say that I learned more about adulthood & responsibilities, and claiming my beliefs as my own. I do miss living with my family, but I get to see them once a week which is a blessing.

Also, this past Wednesday Quentin and I celebrated 6 months of being 'together'. Crazy how time flies! I often wish time would slow down or stop when I'm hanging out with Quentin. He's such a good friend, as well as a good boyfriend. :) Wouldn't trade him for anything.

  

5 months and fireworks

Quentin and I have been dating for 5 months now. Hard to believe how much has happened in 5 months. As expected, there have been ups and downs in our relationship. But the ups have definitely outwayed the downs, which is an undeserved blessing. I've learned a lot about giving, serving, and loving, as a result of dating. Most of what I've learned is a result of how Quentin has treated me. He is extremely kind, gentle, respectful, and thoughtful. He treats me like a princess. I truly don't deserve such an amazing guy as my boyfriend. I thank God for Quentin every day. He is the best.

Last Thursday (July 3rd), Quentin and I went to South Mountain State Park. It was fun hiking to the waterfall and back, eating lunch while sitting on a rock in the river, singing in the car, and just enjoying nature together. Here are some photos.

For Independence Day (aka July 4th), I went to the National Whitewater Center with some friends to watch fireworks and play games. I had a lot of fun. :) Here are some photos of the fireworks.

the passing of time

Five months ago today, Quentin took me out to lunch for the first time. It's hard to believe that I've known him for so short a time. I feel like I've known him for years, probably 'cause we spend a lot of time together. Yet, it also feels like time has flown by. Seems like just last week that he asked me to be his girlfriend, but on Friday it will be 4 months. Well one thing's for sure, the past 5 months have been quite amazing. :)

Here are some photos from Memorial Day. Quentin and I had a picnic in the park, and spent the entire day together. It was lovely.

 

I am so blessed to have known this amazing good-looking man for 5 months. He is an encouragement to me, and is one of my best friends. I hope to have many more fun times with Quentin.

life is amazing

I'm sitting in my bedroom with my windows open, listening to the birds chirping and the wind blowing the leaves in the trees, thinking about random things that make my life so amazing.

Like, I think it's amazing that God made me with senses, and created the world to touch those senses. He could have just made me as an existing blob, eeking out an existence in formless surroundings. But instead He gave me: eyes to see dazzling sunsets, brilliant flowers, and every unique human being; ears to hear birds singing, fire crackling, and people's voices; skin to feel soft breezes, furry animals, and grass beneath my feet; a mouth to taste fresh veggies, spicy tacos, and sweet cookies; a nose to smell buttery popcorn, the freshness of post-rain weather, and wood smoke.

Something so simple can be so amazing when I really think about it!

Another thing that makes my life amazing is the people God has placed in my life. If I had the time, I would write an entire post about each of my wonderful family members and friends. They are all such a blessing to me. God could have easily put me in the "real world" (aka the world outside of my immediate family) and lead me to people who pretend to be friends but don't really care about anyone. But, by His grace He blessed me with friends who genuinely care and want to walk through life with me. If you are my friend, know that I appreciate you very much! :)

And I can't forget about the amazing fact that Jesus is my Savior, God is my Father, and the Holy Spirit is my Helper. I get to have a relationship with the Creator of the universe, and He wants to use me to share Him and His love with others. He could have saved me, forgiven my sins, then left me to figure everything else out on my own. But instead He chose to live in me, guide me, and work in me to change me for His glory. I could write page after page of all the things God has done for me since He saved me. I would be completely lost if it weren't for Jesus. He is awesome!

Isn't life amazing?

...

One week ago today, I said goodbye to one of my best friends, Thomasson. I won't get to see her until September. Why? Because she's working with A Christian Ministry In The National Parks, in Wyoming, specifically in the Grand Tetons. She will be reaching out to people in the park and sharing Christ with them. It's such an exciting opportunity for her! :)

I already miss her very much. We lived in the same house for 8 months, and during that time we became like sisters to each other. She is an amazing young woman, and I am so glad I got to know her. Here are some of the things I most enjoyed doing with Thomasson, and that I miss the most.

• cooking and eating dinner together
• going for walks in our bare feet
• sharing gluten-free goodies
• brushing our teeth and making faces in the mirror before bed
• making green smoothies in the morning
• staying up late talking

 I love you, sweet friend, and I look forward to hearing all that God does in and through you in Wyoming! :)