Three years ago to the day, my family came over to JD's parents' house, and JD asked my dad that day if he could date me! Some of you may think this a little much, but that's okay since this isn't your relationship. ;) I remember being super nervous while they talked since I knew my dad would put him through the ringer. On the ride back to Milledgeville, where I had just started my senior year of college, JD talked to me about what my dad had said and his okay for us to date. "And... Are you actually going to ask me???" I asked. "Well, I didn't know if you wanted to wait for some reason. Should I pull over on the side of the road and get down on one knee?" JD replied. "That's hardly necessary! You're just asking if I can be your girlfriend!" I replied, laughing at him. "Okay then. Keri Lynn, will you be my girlfriend?" That started an interesting and fun three years of my life! We had always dated with the intention of possibly getting married one day. That didn't mean we would, but we did!
The day we became boyfriend and girlfriend. Still kind of awkward.
As we dated, we got to know each other on a more intimate level in the fact that we got to know each others likes and dislikes. We found out we are both nerds and love Star Wars, Korean dramas (I introduced this to him), running (he introduced races to me), doing weights (all him), and eating lots of food (both of us are guilty of this)! He also helped me through a tough time in my life as my clinical depression hit me like a bag of rocks. He didn't understand it, and still doesn't quite understand it to this day, but he loved me through it all! Dating is not as simple as some may make you believe. There are going to be tough times, and if you suffer through clinical depression, you'll feel bad about things you shouldn't even feel bad about and doubt every decision you make. Working out with him and going to church with him, I believe, saved me from the absolute pits of what could have been. For that I am eternally grateful.
At Stone Mountain while dating. We didn't kiss yet, so we lovingly nuzzled. ;)
I still remember the day he told me he loved me. We were sitting on the couch, watching something, and as he held me, he said, "You know, I love you." I was speechless. It was almost unexpected. JD doesn't talk about his feelings much, but when he does, it can be beautiful! JD has come a long way from when we first started dating, and I love how he has listened to wise counsel and sought out the best answers for all his questions. He will listen to my counsel and take it into consideration, and he will never make a big decision without talking to me first. Listen up, guys, this is important! Your wife is going to have a huge impact on you, so make sure you choose one you would listen to! Otherwise you'll be working against each other, and that will do you no good!
My first Tough Mudder! Little did I know the next one I did, I would be pregnant with our little Aayla!
Almost a year and a half into our marriage, I can say we love each other even more than when we first got married. You get to know someone at their deepest and sometimes darkest moments, as well as share in their joy and excitement. You get to see the nitty gritty as well as how much they exceed in certain parts of their lives. My husband always encourages me with his discipline and self-control. He is a rock when I feel unsteady. We are learning more and more about what the other likes, and we are trying to take advantage of that! Marriage is hard work, but it is well worth the effort! I'm learning to embrace those sweet moments and hold on tight. I can't tell you how much joy I have had in my heart as I watch JD bond with our little girl. And when we're together, laughing as a family, it makes me want to sing for joy! He loves Jesus, and he is leading our family in a way that honors Him. How can I not have joy? We still have a lot to work on, but I am confident in the Lord and in my husband. I can't wait to see what the next three years brings!
Peace to you all!
Keri Lynn
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