To Lauren Arscott
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart
- 2 Timothy 2:22
As I was pondering on how to write this letter to you for your birthday I wanted to base it on the foundation of who you are since I met you and the foundation of our relationship up to this point so naturally this verse really struck me.
“Along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” is the perfect way to describe us as people up to this point. No where in the Bible does it really describe dating, just faithful followers of Christ and husband and wife. The very foundation of this relationship has been two sinners saved by Christ coming together on the basis of our love for Christ first and foremost.
One of the reasons I fell in love with you is because of the way I see your love for God and your devotion to Him. Instead of pursuing childish things and pleasures you’ve only wanted a real relationship with God and a real relationship with me.
You’ve matured into a beautiful God-fearing woman. From the moment we met just weeks after your conversion, I could tell your passion for the Gospel was sincere.
You’ve pursued righteousness instead of the pleasures of this world. In a world that is telling us it is ok to do certain things before marriage you have helped me stay away from youthful passions and allowed me to lead you as well.
Your faith in Christ has grown in every facet of life as we go through such a pivotal moment in our lives. The growth I’ve seen in your faith has helped me grow as well.
Your love for God has been shown through your love for me and how when I get on your nerves your love never wavered. I hope God gives us even more opportunities to go through rough experiences and cling to each other and to God even more.
Your peace has reminded me that Christ is enough and that no matter what our future holds that you will strive for God’s will alone which has led me to do the same.
It’s not a coincidence that the closer I get to you, the closer I feel God’s presence in both of our lives. I love you and I am thankful that God has given you 20 years of life experiences and has allowed me to witness His work in you for the last year.
I love you so much baby and I thank you for allowing me to walk this journey with you and I cannot wait for what God has for us. Happy Birthday!!
Your bb,
Dallas