Sunday, January 11, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Our Story
Doug and I wrote the story of how we started dating from both our individual standpoints. This was for our wedding website (the address is still a secret, it's not fully up and running yet.) But Doug's words were sweet and I wanted to share them both with you!
Stephanie’s Story:
Doug and I met on a weekend road trip hosted by our church, The Village. I remember thinking he was cool, cute and funny. I ended up riding in the same van as Doug on Saturday afternoon. Our entire van had a blast together - but I had no thoughts of Doug beyond that. At the time I wasn’t “on the market” or looking to date anyone new.
Then the Lord intervened big time! My relationship status had changed. Doug and I ran into each other at a party some of our friends hosted where we ended up dancing and hanging out all night. Then, we decided to coordinate our home groups to get together and play Rock Band. For me, it was really just an excuse for us to hang out again! I thought Doug was a cool guy, and was interested in getting to know him better. Soon after, we ran into each other at church one Saturday evening. He convinced me to come to a concert later that night. I was soon leaving for a vacation in Europe, and at the concert he asked me to have dinner with him before I left town.
So we had our first date. I have never been so “WOWED” by someone! I remember thinking, “This Doug Midkiff guy makes me laugh harder than anyone else, seems to care about me in a way no one else has before, is smart, and pursues Christ wholeheartedly.” But I still wasn’t convinced I was ready for another relationship, so the two of us just kept hanging out.
About a month later, I told Doug I was ready for a relationship – and since then it’s been a whirlwind. All the traits I thought were true about Doug became so evident. We fell in love so quickly, and I love how our relationship is so fun and easy. It’s so encouraging to know when Christ initiates something in our lives, He brings it about wholly, fully, and leaves no room for doubt.
Since the day we made it “official,” we have prayed that Christ be the center of our relationship. We want others to see Christ in us and be encouraged in their own lives and relationships. I am excited to stand before friends and family as we commit our marriage to the Lord on May 2.
Doug’s story:
Steph and I first met (very briefly) at Café Brazil when our home groups ate there together on April 8, 2008. Steph didn’t really remember me, but I remembered her (how do you forget such a cute red-head?) When I ran into her on the “Road Rules” trip that following weekend, I re-introduced myself and we began to hit it off. After we met up we landed in the same van with 5 other awesome people and proceeded to have a great time zooming around Austin on a scavenger hunt.
After Road Rules we didn’t keep in touch, but a couple months later we ran into each other at a “prom” theme party some of our friends were having. Quick side note: Steph had recently become single and I knew that. As soon as Steph walked into the party she saw me and said, “Hey! Come grab a drink with me.” My thoughts as we walked toward the kitchen: “Oh, it’s on.”
And it was.
Steph and I spent most of the night together dancing, flirting, chatting and generally having good time. We even started planning a Rock Band/hang out night for our home groups which really was an elaborate scheme for us to hang out in another casual setting.
Crazy things about Prom night:
1) I had no clue Steph was coming to the party that night.
2) While I knew Steph was single, I wasn’t planning on pursuing her.
3) It took me 5 seconds to decide that I did want to pursue Steph once the opportunity presented itself.
The Saturday after our Rock Band party I ran into her at church and convinced her to come to a concert that a lot of people from our church were going to that night. I knew that she was leaving for a two week Europe vacation that following week, so I decided I needed to ask her out on a proper date that night. It was now or never. Thankfully, she said “yes” to a random Monday night date, and it was the start of something special.
Many dates followed and I began to see more and more just how incredible Stephanie is. I got to see her humor, intelligence, and love for the Lord. She even agreed to jump up on a roof with me and help shingle a house for a Habitat for Humanity project. A girl willing to serve by getting sweaty and swinging a hammer is nothing if not attractive. On July 28th we decided to make things “official.” Things really picked up from there and by November 30th I was putting an engagement ring on her finger.
Our prayer from the day we made things official was and always will be that Christ is at the center of our relationship. We have prayed that our relationship wouldn’t terminate on itself, but that others would see our love is only possible through God’s love for us. We couldn’t be happier to take the next step into the covenant of marriage and share this with our friends and family.
Stephanie’s Story:
Doug and I met on a weekend road trip hosted by our church, The Village. I remember thinking he was cool, cute and funny. I ended up riding in the same van as Doug on Saturday afternoon. Our entire van had a blast together - but I had no thoughts of Doug beyond that. At the time I wasn’t “on the market” or looking to date anyone new.
Then the Lord intervened big time! My relationship status had changed. Doug and I ran into each other at a party some of our friends hosted where we ended up dancing and hanging out all night. Then, we decided to coordinate our home groups to get together and play Rock Band. For me, it was really just an excuse for us to hang out again! I thought Doug was a cool guy, and was interested in getting to know him better. Soon after, we ran into each other at church one Saturday evening. He convinced me to come to a concert later that night. I was soon leaving for a vacation in Europe, and at the concert he asked me to have dinner with him before I left town.
So we had our first date. I have never been so “WOWED” by someone! I remember thinking, “This Doug Midkiff guy makes me laugh harder than anyone else, seems to care about me in a way no one else has before, is smart, and pursues Christ wholeheartedly.” But I still wasn’t convinced I was ready for another relationship, so the two of us just kept hanging out.
About a month later, I told Doug I was ready for a relationship – and since then it’s been a whirlwind. All the traits I thought were true about Doug became so evident. We fell in love so quickly, and I love how our relationship is so fun and easy. It’s so encouraging to know when Christ initiates something in our lives, He brings it about wholly, fully, and leaves no room for doubt.
Since the day we made it “official,” we have prayed that Christ be the center of our relationship. We want others to see Christ in us and be encouraged in their own lives and relationships. I am excited to stand before friends and family as we commit our marriage to the Lord on May 2.
Doug’s story:
Steph and I first met (very briefly) at Café Brazil when our home groups ate there together on April 8, 2008. Steph didn’t really remember me, but I remembered her (how do you forget such a cute red-head?) When I ran into her on the “Road Rules” trip that following weekend, I re-introduced myself and we began to hit it off. After we met up we landed in the same van with 5 other awesome people and proceeded to have a great time zooming around Austin on a scavenger hunt.
After Road Rules we didn’t keep in touch, but a couple months later we ran into each other at a “prom” theme party some of our friends were having. Quick side note: Steph had recently become single and I knew that. As soon as Steph walked into the party she saw me and said, “Hey! Come grab a drink with me.” My thoughts as we walked toward the kitchen: “Oh, it’s on.”
And it was.
Steph and I spent most of the night together dancing, flirting, chatting and generally having good time. We even started planning a Rock Band/hang out night for our home groups which really was an elaborate scheme for us to hang out in another casual setting.
Crazy things about Prom night:
1) I had no clue Steph was coming to the party that night.
2) While I knew Steph was single, I wasn’t planning on pursuing her.
3) It took me 5 seconds to decide that I did want to pursue Steph once the opportunity presented itself.
The Saturday after our Rock Band party I ran into her at church and convinced her to come to a concert that a lot of people from our church were going to that night. I knew that she was leaving for a two week Europe vacation that following week, so I decided I needed to ask her out on a proper date that night. It was now or never. Thankfully, she said “yes” to a random Monday night date, and it was the start of something special.
Many dates followed and I began to see more and more just how incredible Stephanie is. I got to see her humor, intelligence, and love for the Lord. She even agreed to jump up on a roof with me and help shingle a house for a Habitat for Humanity project. A girl willing to serve by getting sweaty and swinging a hammer is nothing if not attractive. On July 28th we decided to make things “official.” Things really picked up from there and by November 30th I was putting an engagement ring on her finger.
Our prayer from the day we made things official was and always will be that Christ is at the center of our relationship. We have prayed that our relationship wouldn’t terminate on itself, but that others would see our love is only possible through God’s love for us. We couldn’t be happier to take the next step into the covenant of marriage and share this with our friends and family.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Planning a Wedding...
...has been easier than I thought! Doug and I got engaged 4 weeks ago, and basically the whole event (ceremony, reception, other details) has been planned. We have been SO lucky to have everything fall into place so quickly.
The most fun part, however, isn't planning the wedding DAY, but planning and dreaming about our LIFE! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd love someone this much, someone who knows me inside and out and loves me even more because of it. Someone who I love and want to care for with every ounce of my being as we pursue Christ together.
**Sidenote** If anyone needs recommendations on vendors, I've got great ones. We are blessed to be working with some very talented, Godly people for our wedding day. I like trusting others to do what they're best at!
The most fun part, however, isn't planning the wedding DAY, but planning and dreaming about our LIFE! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd love someone this much, someone who knows me inside and out and loves me even more because of it. Someone who I love and want to care for with every ounce of my being as we pursue Christ together.
**Sidenote** If anyone needs recommendations on vendors, I've got great ones. We are blessed to be working with some very talented, Godly people for our wedding day. I like trusting others to do what they're best at!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Engagement Pics
Here are a few of my favorite recent engagement photos! We had a blast going around Deep Ellum and the Dallas Arboretum. Richie Auter took them (www.jumpingman.com)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
I have thought about blogging so many times in the last 2 weeks, and keep putting it off! Please forgive my tardiness!
So many wonderful things have happened. I am engaged to the love of my life, Doug Midkiff. Our wedding is set for Saturday, May 2 in Dallas.
We had talked about getting married and I knew it was on his mind but didn't know when everything was going to go down. Let me tell you, knowing you'll be engaged but not knowing when is enough to drive a girl crazy!
Anyway, two weeks ago, I was woken up by my wonderful friend Stephanie Clark who told me to get ready because we needed to go somewhere that day. Through various clues and rhyming poems and word puzzles, Doug sent me on a scavenger hunt all over Dallas, escorted by Stephanie and also Julia Stark. He sent me to many places that are special in our relationship, and he told me why each of them were important to him.
The last clue ended at his condo, which was in full array of flowers and candles. He said some things I don't remember, but I will never forget him asking me to marry him. And I said yes!! We had a few sweet moments together then went to an engagement party. He had arranged for both our families and many friends to get together and celebrate. It was such a fun day.
Since the beginning of our dating relationship, our prayer has been that others will see Christ in us and that we can put Christ in the center. It is so awesome and it feels like such an answered prayer when our friends get excited about our marriage, or say that they have encouragement from our story.
It is such a whirlwind, we met in April and started dating in May, and will be married this coming May. But I cannot say this enough: we serve a God who is surprising, loving, merciful and faithful. HE is the one who wrote our love story, and HE is the one who knew from the beginning of time that we were created for one another.
When I could only see the rocky roads my feet were currently on, and could only look back to the distant sometimes painful memories of steps I'd taken before, Christ and Christ alone knew the future before me. He's the one who directs our steps, and He's the one who makes our paths straight.
And when the Lord does something, He does it fully, wholly, completely and sometimes swiftly. He makes events and occurrences come together so well that no human can take credit for its success. Case in point: Doug and I's relationship.
And let me tell you: Doug is a gift. He's funny,(and he thinks I'm funny!) smart, caring, patient with me, loving and protecting. He's everything I have prayed for in a man. Sometimes I try to pick fights just to prove to myself we're not perfect. But it's hard because Doug is so dang rational.
So, in summary, God is good. The two of us feel so blessed to start a new life together and celebrate with our friends and family. Watch for pictures - they are coming soon.
Love and faithfulness meet each other, righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield it’s harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.” Psalm 85: 10-13
So many wonderful things have happened. I am engaged to the love of my life, Doug Midkiff. Our wedding is set for Saturday, May 2 in Dallas.
We had talked about getting married and I knew it was on his mind but didn't know when everything was going to go down. Let me tell you, knowing you'll be engaged but not knowing when is enough to drive a girl crazy!
Anyway, two weeks ago, I was woken up by my wonderful friend Stephanie Clark who told me to get ready because we needed to go somewhere that day. Through various clues and rhyming poems and word puzzles, Doug sent me on a scavenger hunt all over Dallas, escorted by Stephanie and also Julia Stark. He sent me to many places that are special in our relationship, and he told me why each of them were important to him.
The last clue ended at his condo, which was in full array of flowers and candles. He said some things I don't remember, but I will never forget him asking me to marry him. And I said yes!! We had a few sweet moments together then went to an engagement party. He had arranged for both our families and many friends to get together and celebrate. It was such a fun day.
Since the beginning of our dating relationship, our prayer has been that others will see Christ in us and that we can put Christ in the center. It is so awesome and it feels like such an answered prayer when our friends get excited about our marriage, or say that they have encouragement from our story.
It is such a whirlwind, we met in April and started dating in May, and will be married this coming May. But I cannot say this enough: we serve a God who is surprising, loving, merciful and faithful. HE is the one who wrote our love story, and HE is the one who knew from the beginning of time that we were created for one another.
When I could only see the rocky roads my feet were currently on, and could only look back to the distant sometimes painful memories of steps I'd taken before, Christ and Christ alone knew the future before me. He's the one who directs our steps, and He's the one who makes our paths straight.
And when the Lord does something, He does it fully, wholly, completely and sometimes swiftly. He makes events and occurrences come together so well that no human can take credit for its success. Case in point: Doug and I's relationship.
And let me tell you: Doug is a gift. He's funny,(and he thinks I'm funny!) smart, caring, patient with me, loving and protecting. He's everything I have prayed for in a man. Sometimes I try to pick fights just to prove to myself we're not perfect. But it's hard because Doug is so dang rational.
So, in summary, God is good. The two of us feel so blessed to start a new life together and celebrate with our friends and family. Watch for pictures - they are coming soon.
Love and faithfulness meet each other, righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield it’s harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.” Psalm 85: 10-13
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Will Smith
I have ALWAYS liked Will Smith! Yesterday he was in Dallas doing a charity event for the Dallas Food Bank ... and decided to throw in some other surprise appearances. The Lake Highlands volleyball and football teams are in the playoffs, and Will came to their pep rally. He called the principal himself and said he wanted to come, and requested no media. He encouraged them and gave them a pep talk. Besides the principal and a few faculty, no one had a clue!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
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