Comments on: Me and You http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/ YLCF Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:53:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Katie http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1957 Katie Mon, 12 Jun 2006 18:45:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1957 God bless you abundantly, Gretchen and Merritt, in this new season of your lives together. May you seek to put Christ at the center of your marriage and bring glory to Him in all you do. May your union be used to further God's kingdom, in ways that you would not have been able to do individually. I pray that God will bless you with children in His perfect timing and that He will give you wisdom in training them and raising them up to be bright arrows the darkness.<br/><br/>We will miss you dreadfully on this site, Gretchen, but we know that the Lord has a new and exciting chapter for your life. And we are excited with you. Please do keep us updated occasionally on your life. Oh and yes, enjoy being married to your farmer! :) That is my dream someday too, to marry a "John Doe on a John Deere". (you posted something about that a while back, and those lyrics have stuck in my head. I love 'em!) God bless you abundantly, Gretchen and Merritt, in this new season of your lives together. May you seek to put Christ at the center of your marriage and bring glory to Him in all you do. May your union be used to further God’s kingdom, in ways that you would not have been able to do individually. I pray that God will bless you with children in His perfect timing and that He will give you wisdom in training them and raising them up to be bright arrows the darkness.

We will miss you dreadfully on this site, Gretchen, but we know that the Lord has a new and exciting chapter for your life. And we are excited with you. Please do keep us updated occasionally on your life. Oh and yes, enjoy being married to your farmer! :) That is my dream someday too, to marry a “John Doe on a John Deere”. (you posted something about that a while back, and those lyrics have stuck in my head. I love ‘em!)

]]> By: Jessie http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1932 Jessie Sun, 11 Jun 2006 09:53:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1932 What a beautiful wedding! I'm a ylcf re-lurker... ; ) I found ylcf some years ago, and read a bit here and there, and now I've come back to be more regular (thanks to the reminder from Susan!). I have loved hearing Gretchen's and Merritt's story!! It (as well as all of ylcf) is such an encouragement to all the rest of us girls waiting on the Lord for our turn. <br/>God bless you, Achesons! Enjoy being a farming family, and tell me how it goes! I would love, love, love! to be a farmer's wife someday!! <br/>Much love from a sister in Christ,<br/>Jessica What a beautiful wedding! I’m a ylcf re-lurker… ; ) I found ylcf some years ago, and read a bit here and there, and now I’ve come back to be more regular (thanks to the reminder from Susan!). I have loved hearing Gretchen’s and Merritt’s story!! It (as well as all of ylcf) is such an encouragement to all the rest of us girls waiting on the Lord for our turn.
God bless you, Achesons! Enjoy being a farming family, and tell me how it goes! I would love, love, love! to be a farmer’s wife someday!!
Much love from a sister in Christ,
Jessica

]]> By: lis http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1929 lis Sat, 10 Jun 2006 20:06:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1929 Gretchen, I'm thinking of the verse, "The woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." I've found it to be true: He is so faithful to bless us! <br/><br/>Thanks so much for faithfully serving us through YLCF, and may God bless you and Merritt as you face new challenges and responsibilites and adventures!<br/><br/>With love from Elisabeth Adams in Jerusalem Gretchen, I’m thinking of the verse, “The woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” I’ve found it to be true: He is so faithful to bless us!

Thanks so much for faithfully serving us through YLCF, and may God bless you and Merritt as you face new challenges and responsibilites and adventures!

With love from Elisabeth Adams in Jerusalem

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1927 Anonymous Sat, 10 Jun 2006 15:54:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1927 So much joy in those photos! I'm so happy for you. May your life be blessed and happy and may you grow more and more together always.<br/>~Johanna So much joy in those photos! I’m so happy for you. May your life be blessed and happy and may you grow more and more together always.
~Johanna

]]> By: Autumn http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1924 Autumn Sat, 10 Jun 2006 14:31:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1924 Lovely, lovely story. Thank you so much Natalie!<br/><br/>I'm praying that God will bless you and Merritt, Gretchen. I hope you have an equally splendid life after the wedding, as the wedding was itself.<br/><br/>May your cup be running over with blessings upon blessings,<br/>~Autumn Graber Lovely, lovely story. Thank you so much Natalie!

I’m praying that God will bless you and Merritt, Gretchen. I hope you have an equally splendid life after the wedding, as the wedding was itself.

May your cup be running over with blessings upon blessings,
~Autumn Graber

]]> By: Susan http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1916 Susan Sat, 10 Jun 2006 02:29:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1916 God bless you, Gretchen, as you begin a new life with Merritt. You have been a sweet encouragement to me over the past few years, and I am so happy for you as you begin this next stage of your life :). God bless you, Gretchen, as you begin a new life with Merritt. You have been a sweet encouragement to me over the past few years, and I am so happy for you as you begin this next stage of your life :) .

]]> By: Jane http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1915 Jane Sat, 10 Jun 2006 00:48:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1915 Congrats, Gretchen and Merritt!! My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you start out on the new and exciting journey God has prepared for you!! Congrats, Gretchen and Merritt!! My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you start out on the new and exciting journey God has prepared for you!!

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1904 Anonymous Fri, 09 Jun 2006 19:48:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1904 Natalie, thanks a lot for the exciting report and soooo many fotos!!! :)<br/>Dear Gretchen<br/>Congratulations on your wedding!!! One can see that you had a marvellous day... Thank you for sharing this special day with us - I truly appreciate it! And thank you for this precious online ministry! It would be wonderful to hear from time to time how you are and what's your life like, but do as the Lord leads you... May God bless you, Merritt and your family richly!!! All the best and love in Christ from Germany, Debbie Natalie, thanks a lot for the exciting report and soooo many fotos!!! :)
Dear Gretchen
Congratulations on your wedding!!! One can see that you had a marvellous day… Thank you for sharing this special day with us – I truly appreciate it! And thank you for this precious online ministry! It would be wonderful to hear from time to time how you are and what’s your life like, but do as the Lord leads you… May God bless you, Merritt and your family richly!!! All the best and love in Christ from Germany, Debbie

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1892 Anonymous Fri, 09 Jun 2006 16:56:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1892 Love!<br/>You were beautiful, Gretchen! Prayers and Blessings!<br/>/Jude 2/ Love!
You were beautiful, Gretchen! Prayers and Blessings!
/Jude 2/

]]> By: Jennifer http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1885 Jennifer Fri, 09 Jun 2006 02:11:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1885 Aww...so sweet.<br/>Thank you both for the great accounts Natalie and Melinda!! Aww…so sweet.
Thank you both for the great accounts Natalie and Melinda!!

]]> By: Nicole http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1884 Nicole Fri, 09 Jun 2006 00:39:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1884 Congratulations, Gretchen. I am a fairly new (several months) reader of YLCF, but in that time I have learned to appreciate, and to rejoice in, your relationship with Merritt. Long live holy matrimony! Congratulations, Gretchen. I am a fairly new (several months) reader of YLCF, but in that time I have learned to appreciate, and to rejoice in, your relationship with Merritt. Long live holy matrimony!

]]> By: Mia http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1882 Mia Thu, 08 Jun 2006 21:53:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1882 Dear Gretchen,<br/><br/>I just wanted to add my voice to the many young ladies that have been affected by your ministry. Thank you for opening your life to us and being an example of purity and godly womanhood. What a blessing it has been for me to observe your life from a distance for these past few years. You have been such a great encouragement to me! May you feel the Lord's pleasure for how you have stewarded this season of your life and His pleasure as He leads you into this new and exciting season. Thank you Gretchen for being such a blessing and example to us. May God bless you richly as you begin your new life with Merritt! <br/><br/>Love in the Savior,<br/>Mia Dear Gretchen,

I just wanted to add my voice to the many young ladies that have been affected by your ministry. Thank you for opening your life to us and being an example of purity and godly womanhood. What a blessing it has been for me to observe your life from a distance for these past few years. You have been such a great encouragement to me! May you feel the Lord’s pleasure for how you have stewarded this season of your life and His pleasure as He leads you into this new and exciting season. Thank you Gretchen for being such a blessing and example to us. May God bless you richly as you begin your new life with Merritt!

Love in the Savior,
Mia

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1875 Anonymous Thu, 08 Jun 2006 03:15:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1875 Gretchen, Congratulations to you and your sweet husband! I am so happy for you. Thankyou for being a shining example of purity and of patient waiting! It is an inspiration to me as I wait for my own man!<br/>God bless you both in your new life!<br/>Love Ya! Nicole Chmelar<br/>PS. Thanks also for you ministry through ylcf, it has been such a blessing and encouragement to me! Gretchen, Congratulations to you and your sweet husband! I am so happy for you. Thankyou for being a shining example of purity and of patient waiting! It is an inspiration to me as I wait for my own man!
God bless you both in your new life!
Love Ya! Nicole Chmelar
PS. Thanks also for you ministry through ylcf, it has been such a blessing and encouragement to me!

]]> By: Brianna http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1874 Brianna Thu, 08 Jun 2006 00:02:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1874 First, Natalie, thank you so much for the wonderful account! (and also Melinda- I appreciated your view :-)) You worded everything beautifully, and the pictures were perfect! (picture-lover that I am! :-))<br/><br/>Gretchen, your wedding sounds absolutely beautiful! It's been wonderful and exciting to be able to watch God's plan unfold in you and Merritt's life. I'll be praying that God will continue to bless you 2 as you step into this new "phase". Please give us occasional updates when you can! :-) Thank you for all the godly encouragement you've given over the past several years. Love ya!<br/><br/>~Brianna C. First, Natalie, thank you so much for the wonderful account! (and also Melinda- I appreciated your view :-) ) You worded everything beautifully, and the pictures were perfect! (picture-lover that I am! :-) )

Gretchen, your wedding sounds absolutely beautiful! It’s been wonderful and exciting to be able to watch God’s plan unfold in you and Merritt’s life. I’ll be praying that God will continue to bless you 2 as you step into this new “phase”. Please give us occasional updates when you can! :-) Thank you for all the godly encouragement you’ve given over the past several years. Love ya!

~Brianna C.

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1873 Anonymous Wed, 07 Jun 2006 17:27:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1873 Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. <br/><br/>As Rachelle said, I hope to someday have the best-friendship/sistership you both have. Freedom to grow and change, but a deep deep bond that keeps your heart close. <br/><br/>Such a lovely wedding. It must be pure joy to have waited so long for Merritt and to finally be together, and go be able to look back and see a path where God's leading and hand in this was evident. All God's best to you and Merritt as you begin your new life together, Gretchen! <br/><br/>Natalie, thank-you so much for posting such a thorough report. And like Katie said, at 2:00 in the morning? You did go beyond the call of duty! Thank-you so much. Us far-away people really appreciate it!<br/><br/>~Lois Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

As Rachelle said, I hope to someday have the best-friendship/sistership you both have. Freedom to grow and change, but a deep deep bond that keeps your heart close.

Such a lovely wedding. It must be pure joy to have waited so long for Merritt and to finally be together, and go be able to look back and see a path where God’s leading and hand in this was evident. All God’s best to you and Merritt as you begin your new life together, Gretchen!

Natalie, thank-you so much for posting such a thorough report. And like Katie said, at 2:00 in the morning? You did go beyond the call of duty! Thank-you so much. Us far-away people really appreciate it!

~Lois

]]> By: Katie (d) http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1872 Katie (d) Wed, 07 Jun 2006 17:21:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1872 Gretchen...<br/>I must say I enjoyed the story of your wedding and all of the beautiful pictures with all of my romantic soul. =) With the practical side of me I am also encouraged in the joy I see on your face as "when the desire came, it was a tree of life." =) I will not be forgetting you and my thoughts and prayers will be going your way even though I don't see your cheerful signature every day anymore. Maybe us fellow Northwesterners will meet someday... <br/>Love in Jesus, Katie<br/>P.S. Natalie went above and beyond the call of duty in putting up the pictures and story, as I'm sure you knew she wood. =) I smile whenever I see the time she posted your wedding story. 2:00 a.m. I think she was anxious to put it up as your faithful readers were to see it up. ;) Thanks, Natalie! Gretchen…
I must say I enjoyed the story of your wedding and all of the beautiful pictures with all of my romantic soul. =) With the practical side of me I am also encouraged in the joy I see on your face as “when the desire came, it was a tree of life.” =) I will not be forgetting you and my thoughts and prayers will be going your way even though I don’t see your cheerful signature every day anymore. Maybe us fellow Northwesterners will meet someday…
Love in Jesus, Katie
P.S. Natalie went above and beyond the call of duty in putting up the pictures and story, as I’m sure you knew she wood. =) I smile whenever I see the time she posted your wedding story. 2:00 a.m. I think she was anxious to put it up as your faithful readers were to see it up. ;) Thanks, Natalie!

]]> By: zan http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1871 zan Wed, 07 Jun 2006 15:40:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1871 Oh, one more similarity. I forgot my bouquet after the ceremony. I left it in my maid of honor's arms, as well. Oooops. Oh, one more similarity. I forgot my bouquet after the ceremony. I left it in my maid of honor’s arms, as well. Oooops.

]]> By: zan http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1870 zan Wed, 07 Jun 2006 15:28:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1870 You are a beautiful bride, Gretchen. I used to read you livejournal and really enjoyed you writing. (I am the one who recommended, "The Wedding" book).<br/><br/>You have such great taste, like me : ) I had yellow roses at my wedding too except they were a little paler and I had callalilies mixed up with them. I also had the exact same color brides maid dress. I thought that was really neat. My veil was basically the same too, as was my hair style. The only difference is that I had a tiara. My style of dress was different. It was a v-neck, v-waist and long bell sleeves. <br/><br/>I am so happy you are married to your sweetheart and hope you are as happy as I have been.<br/><br/>Take care,<br/><br/>Susanne (married 2 1/2 yrs with two babies) You are a beautiful bride, Gretchen. I used to read you livejournal and really enjoyed you writing. (I am the one who recommended, “The Wedding” book).

You have such great taste, like me : ) I had yellow roses at my wedding too except they were a little paler and I had callalilies mixed up with them. I also had the exact same color brides maid dress. I thought that was really neat. My veil was basically the same too, as was my hair style. The only difference is that I had a tiara. My style of dress was different. It was a v-neck, v-waist and long bell sleeves.

I am so happy you are married to your sweetheart and hope you are as happy as I have been.

Take care,

Susanne (married 2 1/2 yrs with two babies)

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1868 Anonymous Wed, 07 Jun 2006 14:07:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1868 Hi,<br/><br/>You know, as I've viewed this site through the years, I've posted very few comments. Mostly because whatever I wanted to say someone else had already said...but I've enjoyed this place tremendously, to say the very least. Through the years I watched Gretchen grow from a girl into a women, reserving and keeping herself for only one person...watching her be on the receiving end of an encredible earthy love has been very special. Now she has claimed that love for a life-time and the story just keeps getting more exciting, and thus reveals God's incredible faithfulness. I can't say I've ever been where she's been, being loved by someone like she's being loved, but it creates within you a vision and I don't want to settle for anything less. I hope we will continue to hear from her much in the future...a special thank-you to you, Natalie. Your effort and touch in Gretchen and Merritt's wedding wasn't unnoticed...I hope all your dreams for your someone so special will one day come true too.<br/><br/>Also waiting... Hi,

You know, as I’ve viewed this site through the years, I’ve posted very few comments. Mostly because whatever I wanted to say someone else had already said…but I’ve enjoyed this place tremendously, to say the very least. Through the years I watched Gretchen grow from a girl into a women, reserving and keeping herself for only one person…watching her be on the receiving end of an encredible earthy love has been very special. Now she has claimed that love for a life-time and the story just keeps getting more exciting, and thus reveals God’s incredible faithfulness. I can’t say I’ve ever been where she’s been, being loved by someone like she’s being loved, but it creates within you a vision and I don’t want to settle for anything less. I hope we will continue to hear from her much in the future…a special thank-you to you, Natalie. Your effort and touch in Gretchen and Merritt’s wedding wasn’t unnoticed…I hope all your dreams for your someone so special will one day come true too.

Also waiting…

]]> By: Elysse Barrett http://ylcf.org/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1867 Elysse Barrett Wed, 07 Jun 2006 05:14:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2006/06/me-and-you/#comment-1867 Thank you, Natalie, painting us a beautiful picture with words and photos of the day Gretchen was queen. Those of us who feel part of the YLCF family are grateful. I do not think there is any more beautiful picture of God's overflowing blessings than the wedding of 2 Godly young people and the establishment of a Godly home!<br/><br/>Since I have Irish blood in me, these Irish blessings are some of my favorites! <br/><br/><b>~An Old Wedding Blessing~</b><br/>May God be with you and bless you.<br/>May you see your children's children. <br/>May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings. <br/>May you know nothing but happiness <br/>From this day forward. <br/><br/>May you have - <br/>Walls for the wind <br/>And a roof for the rain, <br/>And drinks bedside the fire <br/>Laughter to cheer you <br/>And those you love near you, <br/>And all that your heart may desire. <br/><br/><b>~Blessing for a New Home~</b><br/>A blessing upon your new home,<br/>A blessing upon your new hearth, <br/>A blessing upon your new dwelling, <br/>Upon your newly-kindled fire. <br/><br/>A blessing upon your tallest grass, <br/>A blessing upon your fruitful partner, <br/>A blessing upon your growing sons, <br/>Upon your growing daughters. <br/><br/>A blessing upon the household's helpers, <br/>A blessing upon the children yet unborn, <br/>A blessing upon the wise parents, <br/>Upon your occupation. <br/>A blessing upon your goods and income, <br/>A blessing upon your kith and kin. <br/>A blessing upon you in light or darkness, <br/>Each day and night of your lives. <br/><br/>God Bless,<br/>Elysse Barrett Thank you, Natalie, painting us a beautiful picture with words and photos of the day Gretchen was queen. Those of us who feel part of the YLCF family are grateful. I do not think there is any more beautiful picture of God’s overflowing blessings than the wedding of 2 Godly young people and the establishment of a Godly home!

Since I have Irish blood in me, these Irish blessings are some of my favorites!

~An Old Wedding Blessing~
May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May you have –
Walls for the wind
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks bedside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire.

~Blessing for a New Home~
A blessing upon your new home,
A blessing upon your new hearth,
A blessing upon your new dwelling,
Upon your newly-kindled fire.

A blessing upon your tallest grass,
A blessing upon your fruitful partner,
A blessing upon your growing sons,
Upon your growing daughters.

A blessing upon the household’s helpers,
A blessing upon the children yet unborn,
A blessing upon the wise parents,
Upon your occupation.
A blessing upon your goods and income,
A blessing upon your kith and kin.
A blessing upon you in light or darkness,
Each day and night of your lives.

God Bless,
Elysse Barrett

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