So THIS happened...

 

I remember many years ago, the very first time Matt came over for supper as we were getting to know one another, after he left I told my Mom that I was going to marry that man.  She laughed, of course, but I was absolutely serious.  I just knew.  I don't know how or why- but I felt it in my bones.

And when Kemuel approached Matt about Corynn and later, as I watched them interact with one another, that very same feeling came back to me.  I just knew.  The Lord had given my girl her other half.  Almost immediately, I knew.  I don't know how or why, but I felt it in my bones.  Like Mary, I hid these things in my heart and began praying for them earnestly.  

And now, it is official.  

On the eve of Corynn's 20th birthday (so she was engaged at 19, just like her Mama), Kemuel coordinated a beautiful mountaintop proposal with both families hiding away at the base of the hill to celebrate with them once she said yes.  (Of COURSE she was going to say yes!)  

The scene was beautiful.  The ring is beautiful.  The sentiment of having both families there, rejoicing alongside them, was beautiful.  The joy they exude is beautiful.  

Having never done this before, it is an interesting and strange feeling to invite someone into your lives and hearts who are different than you.  Different idiosyncrasies, different ways, different histories, traditions, priorities.   I have seen it done many times, sometimes well and sometimes I have seen it turn out badly.  Kemuel?  He fits just right.

The Lord has been abundantly GOOD to us all in giving Corynn Kemuel.

We rejoice in knowing that

~ Kemuel lives his life fervently for the Lord, our greatest prayer for our children in their search to find spouses.  They will be equally yoked.

~ Kemuel is very hard working and has good work ethic and is dedicated to caring for those he loves.  Corynn will be well cared for.

~ Kemuel has a proper view of divorce and understands the implications of that.  Corynn will be safe.

~ Kemuel is very committed to family- not just to his but to OUR family.  They will not be going off to live on a proverbial island but value our insights and spending time with us.  We will not be losing a daughter but gaining a son.

~ Kemuel treats his family with respect and kindness.  Even little people.  He does the same with ours.  That says a lot about a man.

~ They will be local which means we will be able to be active participants in their lives and, Lord willing, our grandchildren's lives.  

~ Kemuel comes from a family with very similar living situations, Christian ideals and personalities.  We love the Laudermilchs already- our families have been friends for years.  It will be uniting not just two people but two families in love. What a gift that will be!

~ Kemuel has a desire to be self-employed and create a long lasting legacy for his family to grow into.  He is already succeeding in that goal. 

~ Kemuel has already shown great desire to communicate well with us, which is the most important step in communication, after all. 

~ Kemuel (and his family) are already loving, learning and growing from Reformed people that we greatly admire. 

~ They are of one mind about homeschooling...

~ And children being a blessing and from the Lord

~ And the value and impact of women staying home and caring for the household/being a helpmeet

~ And standing up in the face of tyrants

~ And in many ways, worship

~ and in many ways, sanctification

~ and in humor

~ and in eschatology...

~  Kemuel LISTENS to Corynn and values her input.  He told me it is one of his favorite things about her- that she is constantly helping to refine him.  And Corynn is not afraid to boldly call him out and push him toward wisdom.  This is a HUGE gift to them both and something not many marriages have.

~ Kemuel is fervent in his desire to live according to God's word.  He is honorable.

~ They adore one another and are willing to lay their lives down for the other.

~ They both fully understand that they are not just making a covenant with one another but, ultimately, with GOD.  

And so... we continue to pray fervently for them- that the Lord would grow them in wisdom and goodness but we rejoice that He will grow them in these ways, together. 

And we thank the Lord for His kind mercy to us in giving us another son. 

Because Kemuel is a self-employed contractor and his business picks up dramatically starting in spring and doesn't slow down until fall...

Because Kemuel and Corynn want to glorify God in their purity during their engagement...

Because some of Kemuels' siblings are away from home until next year with the exception of Christmas break...

and because who wants to wait when you know you know...

Kemuel and Corynn have decided to get married December 30th... of this year.

I never ever in a million years imagined a winter wedding (oh, the stresses!  No free flowers!  No gardens to feed people!  No outdoor, cheap weddings. No needed, natural WARMTH! Possible snow storms! AHHHHHHHH) and the timing seems THE WORST (I feel like I barely survive Ineke's birthday and Christmas every year as it is...) and also in like a minute...

but when I get overwhelmed, as I most assuredly will and almost feel right now, I will revisit that list above and focus on giving thanks.  Because there is much to be thankful for.

God is good.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18