And so it begins..

Hello world!

Welcome to my blog! Obviously, this is my first blog, so, bear with me. Honestly, I probably haven't written a blog since like 7th or 8th grade when xanga was the cool thing to do. This should be neat, though. I've thought about doing a blog for a while and today I finally decided to.. So.. Here it goes!

Steven and Chrissy got married on Saturday.. WOW! They are two great friends of mine. Their wedding was perfect. Chrissy was without a doubt the most gorgeous person I've ever seen and Steven was just glowing! The wedding ceremony itself was beautiful and very sweet. The reception was a complete blast with loads of dancing, a candy bar, a great DJ, some kickin punch and delicious cake. The whole wedding was simply wonderful.

As I traveled back from Spartanburg to Charleston early Sunday morning (had to get back for work) I managed to do a whole lot of thinking. I love the drive from Charleston to Spartanburg and vice-versa. There is absolutely nothing (except for Columbia) between the two cities. I-26 is one of the dullest interstates ever. Why do I love it so much? I love it because I get to just relax and spend some time alone. This particular ride back was extra nice, though. My mind just kept playing the whole day before over and over. I kept thinking about how perfect everything was, how happy Steven and Chrissy were and how genuinely happy I am for them. As I was thinking tears were streaming down my face. I couldn't figure out why either. Then it hit me.. Chrissy was the one that taught me what it was to be a Christian single woman. She taught me to embrace my singleness and enjoy this chapter of my life. She is so in love with Christ that she just bubbles over with joy and happiness. She has a spirit that is captivating. It's impossible not to be completely happy around her. She showed me how to become head over heels in love with Christ.

When Steven entered her life they both taught me what it is to have a Christ centered relationship. He completely respected her in every aspect and she completely respected him. They had such a fun relationship. I've never seen two people laugh so hard and have so much fun together. I hung out with them a LOT before I moved and I don't ever recall them ever being upset with one another. As I was riding down the road and tears were falling down my cheeks it just really became apparent to me.. They are the first couple that I've ever seen that didn't fight over small things, that didn't have off days, that didn't upset each other... They are the first couple I've ever known that truly wasn't trying to see what they could get out of the relationship, but rather what they could give to the other person. There is no secret to why their relationship is so great.. It is completely God. They really do have Christ at the center of their lives and live for Him alone. They haven't been going through the relationship on their own terms, but on His. They've been obeying His rules.. Not their own or anyone elses.

Sometimes I get so caught up in what everyone around me sees as acceptable that I forget such simple things. I feel like the world puts all this pressure on college students to be in a relationship and settle down with someone. I find myself looking at what the world sees as normal and healthy that I forget what I believe. I should be praising God that I am not in a relationship rather than worrying about finding someone. I know that He will bring me that person in His timing. I'm grateful that His timing hasn't happened yet. I have had some of the best years of my life being a single college girl. Being single has allowed me to learn to value and love myself. More importantly, though, being single has allowed me to grow in Christ and become dependent on Him alone. I know that when God brings the right man into my life I will make sure that He is in the middle of that relationship. Why? Because I know that I am happiest when I am concentrating on Him. I realize that the only way to truly be happy and have a healthy relationship is if He is at the center of it.

So, thanks Chrissy and Steven for being such an example for not only me but everyone else. :)



That is all for now!

-Rissa


P.S. 74 days until Kenya!!!