Six weeks from right now, Merritt and I will be exchanging the vows that will make us one ’til death do us part. I hope the weather is a bit prettier on that day, if only for the pictures. But it really won’t matter, because I will be marrying my love, my man, my best friend…
Many of you have asked what I will be doing after I’m married, and if I will continue to write for the YLCF. In answer to your questions…
First and foremost, my most treasured task, my highest calling, will be that of being Merritt’s wife. His family has a farm with a huge garden and an antique store. They sell produce at the store, as well as at farmer’s markets several times a week. Between keeping Merritt fed and happy, and helping out in the store, garden, and at market, I think I will manage to happily fill most of my waking hours!
But writing is in my blood. Most days I probably won’t have time to write anything but a little note to Merritt, or an entry in my prayer journal. But I know the urge to put pen to paper will be there. And I hope, especially in the winter months, or in the slow hours at the store, to have time to write a bit more.
Merritt and I won’t have the internet for the time being, but maybe I’ll mail Natalie some of my writings to post, or find time to blog from the library once in a while. Meanwhile, I have many posts drafted, ready for Natalie to use whenever she likes–some from old writings, some from recent months when I’ve been in a writing mood and had a few seconds to spare.
I do hope to continue to share with you here once in a while. But I can’t guarantee more than sporadic, at best. (Though I’m sure Natalie will bug me frequently!)
While the YLCF doesn’t cater specifically to a certain age bracket, or marital status, we’ve tended to write about where we are at in life. I hope that those of you who are growing up and getting married along with us will continue to find encouragement here. Between Lanier, Elizabeth Lorenz, and myself, we will probably have some more “wifely” posts in the future, if you like. And meanwhile, as long as the rest of the YLCF team doesn’t get married off too soon (it could prove to be epidemic, you know!), we will try to keep some single ladies in the ranks, so we have something for all ages.
For many years much of my ministry has been in the online world. It will seem strange not to get your emails and comments. And I will miss the continual writing outlet.
But all I have ever wanted to be is Merritt’s wife. And I look forward to spending the rest of my life serving at his side. Truly, this is what I was made for…
15 Comments
I hope you don’t go too long without the internet! I am looking forward to hearing about your life on the farm, and seeing pictures of your pink house!
-leslie
Gretchen, your post was beautiful and such an inspiration. To be able to love someone so unconditionally and sacrifically is the closest that we will ever get (here on Earth) to knowing of Christ’s love for His bride (as Merritt was saying to you). Not everyone is called to be married, but those who are should embrace it for all it is and pour their heart and soul into it.
Your regular posts will be sorely missed, but God is writing the next chapter in your life and so you must embrace it just as you have embraced the previous years. Thank you so very much for all your nuggets of wisdom. This website is a blessing to so many of us, perhaps more so than you will ever know.
Naomi
I hope you get internet access soon!
I have been coming to YLCF for 7 years now, and been blessed time and time again by your ministry.
Gretchen,
Thank you for being such a blessing to others.
ditto with what Naomi says. I am so happy for you (I will miss your frequent posts!)
Aww, Gretchen, I’ve really been enjoying your posts! But as Naomi says, I very much admire your heart in this. To be able to serve the ones you love is wonderful. I am certain God will only bless you in your marriage for it.
it could prove to be epidemic, you know!
Is there something… going on? (Remembering previous cryptic comments)
we’ll miss you Gretchen!
Gretchen, this online world will be a sadder place without you, truly. I was thinking not too long ago how much I will miss you when you’re married! But! What a glorious calling lies before you! And even though I’m married and very happily serving my husband and family, you inspire and refresh me anew with your awe and wholehearted wish to be a blessing to Merritt.
Honestly, I don’t know if I’ve ever been more confident of a friend getting married and having such a wonderful marriage, than I am of you and Merritt. It is exciting to watch and hear of your anticipation…
Can’t wait to be there! Not too long!
Skye
Girls,
I don’t think Gretchen considers not having internet a hardship of any sort–there is no need of it and I doubt she’ll miss it persay–though she’ll miss being a part of YLCF. But I would do the same in her shoes–I’m sure I’ll at least take a sabbatical after my wedding. But God will provide and keep this ministry going…he has already blessed us so much and I know that it is not because of Gretchen or any other single person–it’s because God is good.
Gretchen,
We will miss your writings!!
I have come to very much look forward to EACH new post and pretty much I check YLFC DAILY!
(And will continue of course. . .Although it won’t be the same!)
I want to wish you the happiest, most wonderful days ahead of you!
May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and Merritt and bless your future together!
I am so happy for you!! You have been such an encouragement to you. . .you’ll NEVER EVER know just how much!!!!!!!!!
May the Lord Richly Bless you!
HLH
Gretchen I just read the first part of your courtship story with Merritt. Incredible! God is so awesome! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the story! Many Blessings on you and Merritt and you future together!
Kelci
… yes, I am looking foward to being filed in on the rest of the story, as well!
-leslie
Gretchen,
I’m guessing you may have read my question from your “Pink House” entry *smile*
I appreciate your answer and it is exactly as I was anticipating – I just moved back home for the final 3 months and 2 weeks until I’m married and my beloved and I are in the same geographical area again!!! Hence the reason I have not visited YLCF for 4 days or so. I completely understand and think you have your priorities in glorious order!!!
In regards to comments about not having the internet – I personally look forward to having my world with my man slightly “unplugged”
I’m sure you can attest to that, Gretchen!
Thank you for taking the time to answer – I imagine your life is wonderfully busy at the moment!
in His grip – Vanessa
Vanessa, yes, I read your comment, and several others with similar questions.
And you are so right…I am very much looking forward to my world with my man in our little pink house in the country, hidden away from the outside world in many senses of the word…
Thank you, Vanessa. The best to you and Cory…
Gretchen,
I SUPPOSE we could allow you a reprieve…
Seriously, thanks for answering our questions! May the Lord richly bless Merritt and yourself as you join hands for the journey called life!
Gretchen,
I’ve received, like others have said, a lot of golden nuggets from reading here, and I’ll miss your posts a lot.
BUT (also like others have said!) I admire your desire to be Merritt’s wife first and foremost. I’ll miss your frequent posts, but I’m glad to see your priorities in life are straight, and that Merritt comes first!
Lois