In the Fall of 2007 we had a new guy start leading worship at church. I was in a relationship at the time, so the new guy was nothing for me to fancy over. But little did I know it would be the start of our love story.
Justin is an amazing musician! It seems he can play anything you put in his hands. He stepped up to help our church out while we were in between worship directors. Justin was not a member of the church, just a Special Music visitor. As fall turns into winter I still hadn't noticed much about this new guy. Then in January of 2008, my current boyfriend and I broke up. I had been on a crazy road the past few years; testing limits, trying any challenge in front of me, and not choosing the straight and narrow. In January I was tiring of this life. I knew I needed a change, but didn't know the plan God had in store for me.
February 29 2008 was our first date. Justin asked me to attend a show with him at Renfro Valley about a week prior. I was a wreck! Here is this guy that I have had no interest in, who is older than me (4 years) and only knows the horror stories about the life I have been living. After pacing the house, talking to family and friends, I decided it was worth a try. February 29 turned out to be the best Leap Day ever!
Skip onto June of 2008: I am in LOVE!! At the young age of 17, I knew where I was going! For my 17th birthday (which is in June btw) Justin gave me a promise ring. I know that many people view these as just another gift, but for me it was another step in our relationship. If I could have, I would have married Justin right then!
We spend the next 365 days dating. We do everything the cool kids do: dinner, movies, church, hikes, concerts, prom, homecoming etc. We spend all of our free time together. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't always peaches and cream, but it was us and it was great. Then after 365 days of dating, he pops the question!
And that is where I will leave you for now. Here are a few pictures I scrounged up from our dating days. Look at how young we were ;)
