Lone Star Courtship (16 page)

And she'd thought the worst was over!

Father God, please let me get through this conversation and away from this place before I lose it. Shock and grief are beginning to run together in my mind. Help me, Father!

She looked down at her hands. They were steady, there was no tingling, no shaking, and though her heart raced, it was due to the nearness of the man, not the imminence of a collapse. She would recover from this new pain. In time.

“So, you're going to have that old-fashioned courtship you talked about.” Her voice was calm, steady.

“Actually…” He eased off the bench and down onto one knee. She thought for a moment he must have dropped something. But instead of searching the grass, he looked into her eyes, his own once again bright with emotion.

“Actually, I was hoping for a Lone Star courtship. With my sweet American girl. With my unpredictable and wonderful Casey.”

“Are you saying you love me?” Her voice crescendoed, incredulous. Her sisters would howl at the stupid question, but she had to hear him say it.

“Of course I do. But those words are not sufficient to tell you how I feel. I adore you. I treasure you. My life will never be the same without you. I want you for my bride. Please say you'll marry me.”

She leaned forward, brushed her lips to his, and their tears mingled where cheek pressed to cheek.

“What about your work?”

He pulled back to look into her face. The love she saw mirrored there was a flood of joy in her heart. Her vision blurred.

“My work will be with you if you'll agree to be my first client. Whether you believe it or not, you are going to need a business coach and I'm the
only
man for the job. I may eventually decide to hang out my shingle for that purpose, but there's no rush.”

“What about your home, your family?”

He cupped warm hands around her face and brushed away tears. God had replaced the dreams of a girl with His plan for a man and a woman.

His perfect plan that would succeed.

“Wherever you go, I will go with you. We can stay in Texas, go back to Iowa, travel the world. You may be in control of that decision if it pleases you. We have a lifetime to decide. There will be ample opportunity for me to take my precious Casey to my family home and my magical Tintagel.”

He drew her close and just before their lips met he whispered words from his soul to hers.

“I love you, Casey. With you beside me, any place on earth will be our Camelot.”

Dear Reader,

You've probably heard the saying that there is a God-shaped hole in your heart that only He can fill. But have you ever considered the opposite is true? There is a void in God's heart that will only be satisfied by you. Our Father created us to desire relationships with others but more importantly to seek after an everlasting bond with Him. He misses you when you're too busy to hear His voice. He searches for you when you are lost in the pressures of the day. He hears when you call out in distress and He's always prepared to meet you where you are.

We live lives that are ten pounds of sugar in a five-pound sack. Eventually our seams will burst from the pressure if we allow the most important relationship of all to suffer. Don't wait for a crisis that forces you to bend your knee, be still and allow God to take control. Go to Him today with praise for the promise that all things work together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Until we meet again, let your light shine.

1. The cultural differences between Casey and Barrett might have been a problem in their relationship. Is culture something that can be overcome as long as there is other common ground? Why or why not?
   
2. In addition to culture there was also a significant geographic barrier between our two lovebirds. How do people in love overcome distance? How do they overcome the distance between their families?
   
3. Casey and Barrett were both Christians, but we do not know if they worshipped in the same denomination. As a relationship develops, when is it appropriate to have that conversation?
   
4. When it becomes clear that there are major differences in theology, do you give up on the relationship or pray for change? How would you counsel your sibling, best friend or child in this situation?
   
5. Many times couples marry without having the serious discussions identified in our first few questions. Why do you think we avoid topics that will be so critical to the success of a committed relationship?
   
6. Casey is a woman I can identify with because of her driven nature. Knowing when it's time to ease up on the accelerator is a struggle for me just like it was for Casey. Do you think we've become a nation of superwomen who equate boundaries with failure? Why or why not?
   
7. Learning to accept and live within our limitations and/or boundaries can produce great character growth. Can you think of a time in your life when discovering a limitation actually set you free?
   
8. Barrett had spent almost forty years trying to fit into the family's expectations for his career. Which involves the greater risk: following the road map you've been given or striking out to find your dream? Which is more rewarding? Why or why not?
   
9. Discuss a time when you went against everyone else's expectations in order to create your own happiness. What happened as a result?
   
10. Casey and Barrett were fortunate to have dear friends in whom they could confide and seek guidance. Why is it so difficult to have that same honesty and trust with family members who are otherwise supportive and loving?
    
11. Barrett's desire for a courtship period was an old-fashioned notion that appealed to Casey. Why do you think our modern world has abandoned a chaste time of personal discovery before marriage?
    
12. The anxiety (panic) disorder Casey experienced is the fastest growing mental diagnosis in America. She found healing through prayer. Have you or a loved one suffered from similar symptoms? How did prayer help you through your experiences?