on Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (wedding)

Set me as a seal upon your heart.
As a seal upon your arm.
For love is strong as death.
Many waters cannot quench love.
Neither can the floods drown it.

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it; if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be condemned.

Congratulations Daniel Ford Dean and Janice Dickerson Reade

on your beautiful wedding day!

Always keep me in your heart and wear this bracelet to remember by. The passion of love bursting into flame is more powerful than death, stronger than the grave. Love cannot be drowned by oceans or floods; it cannot be bought, no matter what is offered.

on courtship or dating

Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. (Isaiah 26:8)

Is courtship a viable means for people to find their mate?
> It's interesting, life that is. It throws you so many surprises, so many challenges; it tests your trust, your faith, and hope not only in yourself but in others. And although you want to just reach out and take control of your life you know you must WAIT on God for His direction and timing. We see this practically in waiting and believing that God will provide for you a spouse. What are the mysteries and secrets of finding that special one that you will love forever? You might ask yourself, "What is the difference between courtship and dating?" God is deeply involved in your lives: "You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). As we wait in His presence and let God guide our steps, He will bless us beyond comprehension.
> How is the courtship system different from the dating system? As a couple begins a courting relationship, they both have a clear purpose: to consider marriage. A couple only enters a courtship relationship after they ... believe it is the right choice. This period of time before entering a courtship relationship is where we must put our trust in God, for this period can involve waiting. ... The intent of courtship has a long-term view. Courtship challenges a person to trust and wait patiently on God, and to live a responsible and unselfish life.
> The principles of dating are man-centered and determined by the culture, whereas courtship principles are God-centered. ... One might ask, if dating is so wonderful then why does it cause so much pain? With dating, a couple generally looks for satisfaction through a short-term relationship, gratifying only a physical or emotional need. Dating can be called off easily, sometimes with no hurt, and other times with great hurt. Also, the couple is usually not serious about marriage and only along for immediate pleasures. This practice often ends in disaster rather than a happy and joyful relationship.
> What is the importance of waiting? It's simple, really; as we wait we put our trust and faith in God to move in our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to gie you hope and a future." God watches over us. Many people might say, "You are crazy to wait for a spouse. It's absurd; the only way you can get to know someone is if you date a variety of people until you find the right one." Well I challenge these people to wait on God for Him to provide a spouse. You might ask, "How will I get married if I don't try to find my spouse?" With that man-centered mindset, you are, in reality, telling God you don't trust Him and lack faith in Him to provide for you a husband. If God provides everything else, then why can't he provide for you the greatest thing in life? Our focus should be on Christ, not on trying to find our mate. ... Seek God first and He will give you your heart's desires. ... Don't rush into dating for fear of losing "the one," but trust in God and pray. Ask other to pray with you and be sure God is leading you before telling that special someone you love them. If you truly love them, then you can wait.
> Is love a feeling, a physical attraction, an emotion, or something more? Love entails trials and responses that prove a person's trustworthiness and commitment; it is not just a gushy feeling in your stomach or the passionate desires of your heart. Love can't be confirmed at first meeting. The basis of a good relationship is faith, trust, and love, and as we trust in God and align our thoughts and actions to His Word, He will bless us.
> Let us hold fast to His promises and step out in faith by waiting on God. God will give us the best if we are willing to wait. Remember, God watches out for yo, and will provide for every single one of your needs.

on waiting

I'm in this waiting place
An idea thought of by God
Breathing the stale air of man
Each day a discovery of new joy, new hope
Forgotten past pain yet felt
Learning to be satisfied with the unseen
Seeking the unfelt
The heart cries from depths undiscovered
Only known by the earthquake of pain
Will the tremors cease, will the end be found
I'm here on earth seeking a God I've never seen
Believing in promises not yet breathed
Holding onto dreams not yet uttered
The battle is being fought, the war already decided
The would heal, scars fase, stories disappear with time
"I won't give up" I shout with courage
yet I find my heart shaking in fear
I show the world the strength in my stance
The hope in my eyes, the joy in my heart
Is it the true me that's exposed, the me that cries for help
The me that asks will I ever be the one
Days and nights fade away
The future, just a glimmer as far as the eye can see
The strength in my stance
Nothing more than learning not to fall
The hope in my eyes
Nothing more than light catching last night's tears
The joy in my heart
The only strength I have left
So here I am in the waiting place
An idea thought of by God
nothing more to do but wait
hope and hold on
- Sena Woodall

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry (Psalm 40:1)