Real love stories never have endings

Charity is a very dear and beautiful friend of mine. Lately she's been developing a relationship with a young man named Seth. It's been such a joy to watch them get to know each other and build a strong, deep friendship that honors the Lord. On Friday night, March 17, Seth proposed to Charity! It was so much fun on Sunday to walk into church and see Charity's happiness! The ring that Seth gave to Charity is just gorgeous! They are such a lovely couple, and I am excited to see how God continues to lead and direct them. Seth, I am so glad that you are part of God's plan for Charity. She is a treasure! Charity, I cannot even tell you how happy I am for you! Savor every moment and realize that the fairy tale doesn't have to end at the wedding! Some people will tell you that you'll learn very soon that Seth and married life aren't perfect. That may be true from a human standpoint; but keep in mind that God's plan for you is perfect and if you stay in His will, and look at things from His perspective, Seth and marriage will always be as special to you as they were when he slipped the ring on your finger last Friday."What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in all labour, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness, to be one with each other in the silent unspoken memories?"
~ George Eliot

Two things you should NEVER say to the one you love: "I love you, but..." and "If you loved me, you would..." Should you really qualify love with conditions?

All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.
~Lucy Van Pelt, "Peanuts" (I got a kick out of this one!) :)

A bell is no bell till you ring it
A song is no song till you sing it
And love in your heart wasn't put there to stay
Love isn't love till you give it away.
~Oscar Hammerstein II

The Engagement Ring

The ring pictured above looks very much like Charity's, but not exactly. If you looked at the side of Charity's ring (as in the little picture), there are little hearts in there. :)

The engagement ring symbolizes the promise of a future together, sealed with the giving and accepting of a ring.

The diamond engagement ring as we know it has been around since the 1400s and was first found in Medieval Italy.

Over time, the diamond emerged as the symbol of betrothal because its clarity and brilliance reflected innocence and purity, while it's strength signaled the hope of an enduring love. All wedding and engagement rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand. The vein in this finger was once believed to go directly to the heart which is closely associated with love.

Ancient Greeks believing the fire of a diamond reflected the flame of love, actually thought them to be teardrops from the gods. Ancient Romans also endowed them with romantic powers, believing diamonds to be splinters from falling stars that tipped the arrows of Eros, the god of love.

Isn't that interesting? :)
Well, all that to say, "Congratulations, Seth and Charity! May you always find your dearest friend, your deepest love, and your greatest joy in each other!"