Our Love Story ~ Part 2

Initially, our budding relationship grew very slowly (it took 3  months for him to hold my hand!).  We spent countless hours in conversation, respecting each other, and getting to know one another at a deeper level.  Once we had exhausted all inquiries of the other's character, integrity, religious beliefs, personal preferences, and everything in between, we had made a mutual decision:  We were in love.

With him being 31, me being 28, and all of the experiences behind us, we wanted to get married.  It's true what they say.  You know when  you know.  We were both committed to the same things, and wanted to proceed, with God's blessing of course.  Many outsiders thought we had temporarily lost our minds.  But those who knew us well, gave unanimous verdicts:  they had never seen either of us that happy.  We brought out the best in each other, and shared many views in common.

5 months after we had reunited, we became engaged.  He proposed at one of our favorite spots.  I knew it was coming, but had no input into the ring selection.  I wanted to be completely surprised.

 Wedding planning was in full swing.  We wanted simple, beautiful, and unique as our theme.  The date was set for just 3 months after the proposal.  I found my dress for $29.  I kid you not.  It was the 2nd one I tried on, 15 minutes before the bridal shop was closing.  I bought it...what did I have to lose? When God is at work, He doesn't mess around.

The ceremony was set for a Saturday morning, with a breakfast reception to follow.  Upon awaking, there were scattered showers.  Fear not.  The showers preceded the rainbow, which was visible by my beloved and I upon arrival to the farm.  When God is at work, He doesn't mess around.

I walked down the aisle towards my groom.  Noticing the sweet tears of awe and gratitude in his eyes, my heart leaped for joy.  We were told, though not seen by us, that there were butterflies floating around our heads during the exchange of vows.

The day was perfect.  Like only God could make it.

 We are an aunt and uncle to now 5 nephews and a niece.  We love them to pieces.

A perk to being an only child is that my mom is one of my best friends.

I have a new 2nd mom.  She lovingly asked if she could "adopt" Dylan as one of her grandsons.  I couldn't believe what I was hearing.  It meant more than she could ever know.  She is a phenomenal, hands on grandma.  I can hardly wait to see her as a grandma to one of our own some day.

And remember my outgoing friend, the "matchmaker"?  She and her husband were our witnesses.  They are amazing friends, and we so value their support.  An interesting statistic, I believe she has successfully matched 3 couples that are now married.  She has a gift.

LOVE.  May we never take it for granted.  It's not always easy, but always worth it. 

God is in the business of restoration.  It can be easy, at times, to take His gifts for granted.  But when my focus shifts back to Him, and His goodness, and His faithfulness the outpouring of thanksgiving and gratitude flows from my heart.  A cord of 3 strands is not easily broken.  Thank You, Jesus.

Our Love Story

It started in February of 2011.  I had just begun the adventure of being a hairstylist at a new-to-me salon.  Switching employers was a total God thing.  It was as if He said "Go", and the door flew open to an exciting opportunity to work for a Christian owned, education focused, client centered company that has given me so many awesome opportunities and friendships than I could ever have dreamed of.  I am thriving and learning new things everyday.  I never knew a salon liked this existed in my town.

On my very first week at the new place of employment, a friendly stylist (who I would later be her maid of honor) walked right up to me, introduced herself, and asked if I was single.  I said "yes".  She said, "Good,  because I have two guys for you, but you'll need to choose because they're roommates".  I was shocked.  My new friend of course showed me both guys' pictures.  I had thought to myself, "ooh...the one with dark hair is super attractive".  I informed the matchmaker standing before me that I am an old fashioned kind of girl.  Feel free to give them my number, but they have to initiate contact. 

6 weeks went by with no communication from either eligible bachelors.

I wasn't heartbroken.  I hadn't known any different.

The plane took off, and I was Israel bound, voyaging on a pilgrimage that would change my life forever.

While on a tour to the Western Wailing Wall, I had heard from God regarding my future as a wife.  A little background information on the wall:

          The wall is one of the holiest sites to the Jewish people.  It was part of King Herod's temple from over 2,000 years ago.  In 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, we learn that the glory of God filled the temple.  To touch a wall that the glory of God had filled, is an experience that can't be described by human words.  Many flock there on a daily basis to present their prayer requests to God.

In keeping with tradition, I wrote my prayer request on a small, yellow, square shaped piece of paper.  The request read:

REPLACE MY ASHES WITH YOUR BEAUTY.

RESTORE ALL THAT WAS LOST.

I stepped back to catch my breath, and fully take in my surroundings.  I was standing on holy ground.  The layers upon layers of this wall told a story.  And God was the Author.  My thoughts quickly flashed  through the memories of my own story that God was writing.  Could I trust Him?  And His timing?  Indeed, I could.

My eyes were drawn up and to the left.  There was a dove (at least that's what I think it is?) setting on a ledge of the Western Wall.  She was all alone.  Moments later, her mate had come.  All the while, God was at work, making perfect provisions for her.

My heart was put at ease.  God had not forgotten me.  He had heard my plea, and was (and still is) writing my story.

While in Israel, it was discovered that one of the accompanying travelers was indeed the father of one of the eligible bachelors that my outgoing new friend was trying to set me up with.  (In the unfortunate case that I've lost you in  my ramblings, see beginning of this post).

Unbelievable!  The "coincidence" was too great to ignore.  Bachelor #1(the son of  the accompanying traveler) gave me a call.  We casually dated for a couple of short months...hardly worth mentioning, except that during that time frame, I got to know his roommate(remember Bachelor #2?) very well.  I adored his insight and outlook on life.  He was a believer and a very hard worker.  He was a two time cancer survivor, not taking a single breath for granted.  Remember the super attractive dark haired guy?  

The friendship we had was only just beginning.  Things ended with  Bachelor #1, and life went on.

Nearly a year had passed.  To my surprise, I received a call from Bachelor #2.  When I saw his number come up on my phone, there was a divine moment where I thought to myself:  "This is it".  I knew what his intentions were going to be...

With the hope of not exhausting you with all the details in one sitting, I will present this story in 2 parts.  Stay tuned for the conclusion!

May you be filled with hope and a peace that surpasses all understanding today!

Nicole

A God Ordained Wedding, Rainbows and All.

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A Very Happily Ever After

Recently, the man of my dreams asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. And, I said "yes!".

This man loves God, works hard(harder than anyone I know), opens all my doors, prays with me, has insight into who I am and all that I stand for, looks at me with adoration(in a way that I've never been looked at before), knows what makes a successful relationship, realizes life isn't always perfect(he's a two time cancer survivor), and he makes the bad days good, and the good days even better.

This man has also been to Guatemala and has a heart for the people there. We look forward to making a return trip, and serving side by side as a husband and wife team some day.

He's the man I've been praying for, and more. He's not afraid to go to the valleys of grief with me. He doesn't try to pretend to know what it's like to lose a child, or try to fix my "problem". He prays me through the tough times, and talks about Dylan anytime I want to.

His name means "gift from God". And I couldn't agree more. I am honored to know him, to call him my best friend, and to be his wife. I can't thank God enough for bringing this encourager, this rock, this godly man into my life. There have been many instances that I've been brought to tears thinking about all that I've been through, and all that God has given me in this man. We're not perfect as individuals, but with God at the center, we're perfect together.

I thank God for solidifying my faith in Him, in love, and in marriage. I know that whatever storms come in this life, with God's help we will weather them together.

I also want to take this time to encourage anyone out there, that no matter what you're going through, hang on to Him. It WILL get better. Waiting is always the hardest part. The unknown, the despair, the heartache...I've been there. God is more than enough for whatever situation you may find yourself in. I pray your courage is renewed. If God can make beauty from my ashes, He can do the same for you, too. He happens to be very experienced in the whole bringing-what-once-was-dead-back-to-life-business.

Thank you for all of your love, support, and prayers over the past 4 years. They've meant more than you could know.

'The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'
Genesis 2:18

"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD".
Proverbs 18:22

This picture was taken at a Jeremy Camp concert, which the man of my dreams surprised me with tickets to.

Meet my Prince Charming. Isn't he handsome?

Happy Birthday, Sweet Child of Mine!

Dylan from Nicole Bronson on Vimeo.

Update.

I can't believe it's been over 2 months since my last post! Wow!

Tomorrow, Dylan would've turned 2 and a half. That's hard to believe too!

In grief, there are sections of time that seem to stand still. While as a whole, time flies by.

I am doing great! Glory to God! The Israel trip has brought blessing upon blessing. It is truly God's chosen land, and His Word is true. He says that He'll bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse it.

I am absolutely LOVING it at the new salon! God is bringing new clients, new friends, in abundance. I'm grateful for the loyalty from the longstanding clients too!

I've begun a beginning nursing course and am HOOKED! There is a special volunteer project in the works right now. I've offered to visit expecting moms on bedrest in the antepartum unit, to provide haircuts and nail maintenance to those making the ultimate sacrifice. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me in this area!

There aren't any trips currently planned. Though, I am anxious to get one on the calendar!

I have plans to move out on my own next month. Besides being married before, this will be the 1st time I've ventured out solo. I am ecstatic! Praying for open doors & discernment in this department.

I am still waiting on God to bring the godly relationship into my life. I am finding satisfaction and fulfillment without it, but it is certainly still an unfulfilled desire. But I trust(though not always easy) God with my future.
He is so faithful, and so good, and so true.

That's my life in a nutshell.

I still think of, and miss Dylan. The thoughts don't come as often as in the past, but when they come, they are just as vivid as 2 and a half years ago.

I so appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers...Im in awe that there are even followers still reading this. Thank you. :)