A perfectly #puremichelle proposal 💛

OH. MY. GOODNESS. 

So here is the story of when I said YES! 

So I knew a big question was coming. We have been dating with intention the entire time. Marriage has been discussed since the first hello. We didn't want to waste each other's time or emotions. We didn't want to play games. We have been ring shopping together. 

I knew it was just a matter of time. 

So Tuesday. 

I was CLUELESS. 

I met with my cousin in the morning for coffee. We talked about marriage, babies, life, and everything in between. 

I was supposed to be meeting Steve around 10:00 am. But I was distracted, talking to my cousin, and didn't realize how late it was. So I didn't get to Steve until noonish. #alwayslate

I met him at Target, because I needed to buy deoderant. How romantic. #smellyshelly

He looked sooooooooooo handsome. I instantly thought, "THIS IS IT. ITS GOING DOWN RIGHT NOW, AT TARGET." 

But he reminded me that he had a job interview that afternoon, and I felt like a nerd for even thinking he was going to propose that day. Clearly my mind was on sparkly things. 

So we went to lunch at Jimmy Johns. We only had an hour and a half together because I showed up two hours late. But he was kind and compassionate, as always. We sat and ate, while talking comfortably about our future. 

I told him on the For The Love group page, we were discussing, and taking bets on when he would propose. I read him a few comments, and then he asked me when I thought it was going to be. I was ABSOLUTELY convinced that it would be Thursday. We had already discussed having a nice dinner Thursday evening, and I had already picked out what dress I wanted to wear. His facial expressions were hard to read, but I could tell he was thinking a lot. But he asked a few times about the FTL girls discussing the proposal. I didn't think anything of it. 

After lunch, we sat and discussed a book we have been reading together. We talked about the importance of knowing that love is more than a feeling. It requires action and commitment. It was so good, and I am so thankful we have been reading "The Right One" together. It has really help shape a lot of our intentional conversations, in preparation for marriage. 

So after lunch, he took me back to my car. We sat and prayed for a few minutes, and he was off to his interview. 

I went to Target with my best friend, Sierra, and then went to my counselor training at the crisis pregnancy center. 

After leaving my training, I called one of my best FTL girls, Kimberly. We talked and talked about Steve, the proposal, and I told her that I had a suspicion that he was going to do a cheesy video, because I accidentally saw a text on his phone the other day. She acted clueless, and I got off the phone, wandered Bath and Body Works, smelling everything. 

I then talked to my girlfriend, Shawna, and *whined* how I wished she could join us for street ministry that night. I hadn't seen her in a while, and just missed her. But she told me that there was no way she would make it to Pontiac in time. 

I then talked to Steve. And that man was so distracted. "Yes babe, I love you too... Hmmm... Yes, I'm listening. Okay. Actually, you know what? I'm helping a friend, and have to let you go. I can't focus. Okay. Call me after street ministry, praying you have an amazing night. Love you..." 

So I went to Target. (Third time that day) And I picked up a case of water for street ministry, and then headed into Pontiac. 

On my way there, my heart began to race, and I had the smallest thought that he might actually be lying, and jump out of a bush with a ring, while I was sharing Jesus. But then I remembered that he was helping a friend, and his sister was having a baby. Plus, I just KNEW he wasn't going to ask until Thursday. 

So I met up with my team. We sat in the car, chatted for a few, and prayed before we hit the streets. 

We have been going out every Tuesday night for 8 months. Our heart is for the prostitue, the homeless, the forgotten, the abandoned, the convict, the addict, the lost, the weary, and the unloved. We bring sandwiches, and the hope that is only found in Jesus. We believe in consistency, and we believe in the power of the Gospel. 

So we hit the streets. We went to our normal spots, and after hitting the library, I assumed we were going to the bus stop. But we didn't turn. David pulled into a parking spot, and Cheryl told us to get out, and we started walking. 

MY HEART WAS RACING. 

This was completely out of the ordinary. 

As we walked, Cheryl pushed me ahead, and told me to keep walking. 

And so as I walked, serving Jesus, and loving people, I walked right into the most beautiful love story, and directly into my proposal. 

It couldn't have been more #puremichelle 

I walked into a courtyard. It had twinkling lights, sunflowers, candles, marquee letters, beautiful table cloths, and a computer set up, with a sign to press play. 

He had set it up so beautifully. 

So I sat in the chair. And pushed play. And then pushed pause. I couldn't believe this was really happening to me. It was my turn!!! I wanted to soak up every second. 

So I pushed play again. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=kBvhIxPKTMc

Pictures of our first date scrolled by. And then pictures from the night he told me he was falling in love with me, when I told him that I loved him, showing him my name in the FTL book, showing up to lunch in matching flannels, and all of our memories. 

AND THEN 

My dearest friend Kimberly (that I had JUST spoken with) showed up on the video, and encouraged me to "just say yes" to Steve. 

I could not believe it. 

He had been scheming with my 500 for the love sisters, and had gathered videos of them, from all over the country, just to be apart of my big night. He knew how precious they are to me, and wanted to include them. #allthefeels 

So they all knew! And had been tricking me for days!!!! AHHH! 

The video went on for 9 minutes, and the whole time I screamed "SERIOULSY! You got Kate Clark?!" "WHAT?!? It's Corie! And Auntie M!!" "IS THIS FOR REAL?!" 

He then came over to me, grabbed my hand, and led me to the center of some candles. 

I hugged him, and whispered, "Hey babe!" In his ear. 

He then started to go down on one knee, and I pulled him up, and told him I wasn't ready. 

I just wanted to soak in the moment, and I didn't want to forget anything. #leslieknopes 

I then told him I was ready. 

I don't remember exactly what was said. But I believe it was something short and sweet like, "I love you, Michelle Robinson. Will you marry me?" 

To which I said, "YES!" 

I then realized someone had been taking pictures. It was my best girlfriend, Shawna. (The one I had called earlier about wanting to see!) 

About that same time, I heard cheering. I was so confused. It was two of my best girls, Si and Meg!! SERIOUSLY. I can't believe he had been planning everything with my friends, and I had no idea. 

It meant the world to me that they got to be apart of my big moment. 

And I love how he incorporated my favorite people, my favorite things, and my heart for Pontiac. He is an absolute treasure. 

He had been in cahoots with my ministry partners, David and Cheryl, to plan out Tuesday night. I just love every bit of that. 

An Oakland County Sherrif was patrolling in the area, and stopped by to see all the hullabaloo, and was able to join the celebration! He even gave us our first engagement gift. He owns a photography studio in downtown Pontiac, and is letting us use it for free for our engagement photos! 

We then took a few photos, because for the first time in my entire life, a sparkly ring was on my finger, and a man who loved me was by my side. 

I then called my Dad, and shared with him our exciting news. 

I didn't call or text anyone else for a while, because I didn't remember any one else's numbers. My phone was in the car, since I don't normally carry it when we are on the streets. So after the excitement died down, I got my phone, and I called my mom, sisters, brother, and best friend Collin. 

We then sat in the car for a little bit, looking at each other googly eyed, and grinning like fools. #isthisreallife 

I can't believe how well this man knows my soul. 

I then texted and called some of my best friends and family. And then my phone died. 

I was so hungry at that point, so I asked him if we could grab a bite to eat. 

He suggested Taco Bell. #howromantic His sister had JUST delivered the baby, and he wanted to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. 

So we ended up at Panera Bread for a quick meal. 

After that, we sat in his car and watched the video again, and he shared how over the last few days he had been in contact with my best girls. It just made my heart burst. 

This man. Oh my golly. 

I sure am a lucky girl. 

Every thing about that evening was perfect. It was so #puremichelle. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. 

Jeans. Tee shirt. Messy hair. Sandals. 

Pontiac. Best friends. For The Love Sisterhood. Sunflowers. Twinkle lights. His mom's table cloths. Candles. 

He did reallllllly good. 

I was just serving Jesus, and loving people, and then BAM. #gamechanger

Jesus is so faithful. I am overwhelmed. 

The Princess of Clarkston has officially found her Prince Charming. #lettheweddingbellsring #offthemarket 

Also. Look at how precious Steve's nephew is!! (Born at the same time we got engaged!!!) 

We are thinking a six month engagement, and a fall wedding sound pretty nice. 

I have already tried on wedding dresses. #mamabearisEXCITED And I just cannot believe it is actually my turn. After being a bridesmaid 10 times, and planning a couple dozen other weddings, it's my turn. I'm not sure when that will sink it, but it's currently surreal. 

#iwokeuplikethis #ENGAGED #helikeditsoheputaringonit 

I am completely overwhelmed by how good our God is. This story He is writing is more beautiful than I ever could've imagined. The details (which one day I will share more of) are so intricate that no one could ever say they were coincidences. 

I am so thankful I waited. Even when it was hard, and lonely, and felt like it would never end. I am thankful for the grace that kept me going, and helped me be obedient. I am thankful I saved my kisses and my secrets for him. 

I am so in love with this man. He points me to Jesus every day. He encourages my soul, he studies the Bible with me, he prays for me, and with me. He opens car doors for me, he plans the best dates, and he makes me laugh. He shows up with flowers and hand written notes. He tells me every day that I am amazing, beautiful, kind hearted, lovely, brave, strong, and capable. He celebrates all the strength, sass, feminity, quirks, and whimsy found in me. He challenges me. He slow dances with me in the driveway. He brings out the best in me. 

On our very first date, he told me, "Michelle, I see you as a daughter of the King, and I will treat you as such. You are a princess." He absolutely has kept his word. 

This girl is getting married. Eeeeeeeeeek!!! 

#steveandchelle 

#fortheloveofsteveandchelle

M. 

I was praying for my sweet man, before I knew his name.

The following words have never seen the light of day, or ever been read by anyone. 

They can be found in an old journal that sits in my nightstand drawer. It is full of prayers and ramblings from the deepest part of my heart. 

This morning I stumbled upon it, and turned to the "pray for my husband" section I have written in over the last handful of years. And I sat and wept. 

For years I have been praying for this sweet man. I am so thankful I wrote some of my rambling prayers down, because it just shows even more how God answered my them in this amazing and dear man, Steve. 

Here's a peek into the depths of my heart. 

Oh what a good Father. 

10-6-13 

Dear Lord. I am feeling impatient, and that You have forgotten my cry. Please send me my man. A man that loves You, and has a desire to honor You in all that he does. A man with integrity and convictions. A man who is willing to leave it all to follow You. A man who will lead, and I can submit under. Please send a man that just lives for You, and will encourage me to live for You, and love people. Please send me "my Adam" and seriously Lord, send him right to me. I want people to know that You sent him, it was nothing I did on my own. Help me to be patient while You hide him from me, help me to be obedient while I wait, and please remind me of Your faithfulness. Lord, I'm tired. Renew me as I wait. And please, send him soon. I can't wait to meet him. 

10-8-13 

Dear Lord, please strengthen and encourage my man. Remind him that You are faithful. Give him good friends that point him back to You and Your Word. Let hope bubble up in his soul. And Lord, let our time, our day, our moment, not be too far off. Send him quickly. I am longing to meet him. Continue to prepare my heart, and his too, for what You have in store for us. Keep him safe, renew his mind, strengthen his foundation on You. And keep his lips just for me, as I wait just for him. 

11-10-13

Dear Jesus. Tonight I feel content where You have me. I know You are using me here and now. Please help me continue to develop characteristics to become more like You, and to be a good wife. Continue to mold my husband, even now, so he is more like You. Help him to be content in the here and now, while he waits for me. Use him in mighty ways to love people and make an impact for Your kingdom. And please. Keep that boy safe. I am tired. I want to sleep through the night without waking up with his safety on my heart, and in my prayers. Give us both peace and understanding as we wait on Your perfect timing. Amen. 

5-4-14 

Give me faith not to doubt Your plan. And help me to continue to trust in You. I know You have a man out there for me. I believe that. So please show up in a such a way that it's so clear. 

I just don't want to be waiting without purpose, Lord. I don't want to feel feelings, or think thoughts, or pray prayers for a man that isn't mine. I don't want to create any bonds to anyone who isn't my husband. So please make it very clear. 

Thanks for being sovereign through it all. Thank you, Daddy, for having my best interests at heart. 

This man is everything I have prayed for, and not one thing I ever expected. I am so thankful for him. And so grateful I have a God that cares enough about me to write an incredible love story with such complex, intricate details, that bring Him honor and fame, while I find the love of my life. Ah. It's just all so good. 

I can't believe this gets to be MY life. 

M. 

Friday Favs.

Happy Weekend!!!

Here are some of my favs from this week. 

•A dog ate my glasses, and I had to tape them up to drive home. I cried at first, but then laughed for a few hours. Because this would only happen to me. But really, how cute am I?! I did order new glasses and contacts that should be in before Easter! 

•Dating this man. I never knew it could be this good. Seriously. I always thought I would have to hide parts of me because I've always been told that I'm too much, or not enough. And he just loves me, with all of my quirks, passions, and whimsy. He brings out the best in me, and I feel so #puremichelle all the time. This is the good stuff. 

•Whole30 is over. (I dropped 15 lbs in 30 days!!!) And after six weeks, I had ice cream. And it was every bit of amazing as I remembered it to be. Blue Moo. 💙

•Spring time at Target!! I seriously cannot get over how much I want ALL.THE.THINGS. I'm realllllly into pretty, paper flowers this season, but have yet to buy any yet. #budget #iwantitall

•I'm just a really big fan of voting. Even if I'm not a big fan of the options. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have a voice. Also. I love the stickers. 

•this. 

•this was my favorite for a while, but then was overplayed a bit. But now it is back in the top three play list this week. Yassss. 

•fuller house. Seriously. This show makes my heart so happy. Yay netflix! 

•cheers to the weekend! We made it! 

Have a happy weekend! Don't forget to spring ahead on Sunday morning!! 

M. 

Steve.

For the first time in forever, there's a man in my life. 

And I don't even know what to do. 

How we met... 

So it was the week before Valentine's Day, and I was having an incredible week. I love Valentine's Day. I have had my best adventures mid February. Feb 14th is the day I moved out of my parents' house, and into my little condo in Auburn Hills. It's the day that I left home, by myself, and went to South America, to love the homeless and orphans in Bolivia. It's the week I helped launch and write for a women's website that shared grace. It's the day that I hosted Galentine's Day parties, luncheons for homeless women in Pontiac, and sent packages and letters to single friends to remind them that they were so loved. 

This year was no different, I was not feeling the "weight" of being single during Valentine's. I was having adventures. 

That week I was serving the homeless in the shelter, and on the streets. I was preaching the Gospel whenever I was given the chance. I was training to become a counselor at a crisis pregnancy center. I was able to deliver groceries to some homeless friends we were able to put in a motel for a week. I was planning girls days with my 86 year old neighbor. I was a buddy for a special needs prom at my new church. I had an interview for an article in a magazine to be a voice for injustice. It was an amazing week. There was no longing for a man. The only longing was for chocolate, since I was doing whole30, and wasn't having dairy or sugar. (Oh chocolate, how I miss you!!) 

But in the midst of all of that week, a picture was posted on social media. Just a picture of our Tuesday night team on the streets, loving the people of Pontiac. It was our first team picture ever. 

So...

Steve and I go to the same church, but different campuses. We have never met, but we have quite a few friends in common, including Cheryl and Lauren, so that night he saw it in his news feed, and instantly wanted to get to know the beautiful girl who was serving Jesus. So he friend requested me, we messaged, and I was like #nope #pumpthebrakes Bless his heart. But he was so direct, so over complimenting, and coming on so strong. 

I'm a fiercely independent woman, who cannot handle a man fawning over her. I have too much to do, I can't deal with that. 

He had asked me out, and I decided to say yes. He loved Jesus, believed family to be important, and didn't drink alcohol. Those are my 3 basic requirements. So I decided to give him a chance. (With MUCH encouragement from my friends!) 

I then spent the next few days dreading it. I hate dating. I haven't made it past a first date in 8 years. I'm soooo awkward. I say things and do things I shouldn't. 

(Remember that one date I told the guy about 100x that I was so glad he wasn't a murderer?! And then twirled in a park, slipped on the ice, and when we went to help me up, I accused him of wanting to murder me?! And then refused to let him hold my hand, and told him by making awkward voices, and saying "you ain't getting any tonight"?!?) 

NOT GOOD AT DATING. 

LIKE THE WORST EVER. 

Plus. I just have a crazy busy schedule, and didn't want to date. It felt like a chore to move things around to have a free night. 

Argh. 

But God bless my friends and their encouragement. They told me I had to give the poor guy a chance. 

The date....

I went. I met this man at Starbucks at 4pm on a Monday. I had decided to only give him like 30 minutes. Because if he was a creep, I didn't even want to waste my time. 

So he walked in, and tried to hug me, while I was sitting. It was #awkward, and I was so nervous. 

But he was cute. 

I got up, we ordered coffee, and he paid. We sat and chatted for a while, and immediately I knew I could be myself around him. Not a version of myself, or even myself but holding parts back, but the whole version of Michelle. 

The girl who has a passion burning in her soul for the Gospel. The girl who is a voice for injustice. The girl who spends her free time on the streets with the homeless. The girl who twirls and dances, even if there isn't music. The girl who says awkward things more than she says normal things. The girl who is creative, funny, strong, independent, a feminist, sarcastic, passionate, and sassy. She is the one who showed up. And I'm so glad. 

We sat for a while and chatted, and he asked me to go to dinner. Since I was no longer creeped out, and had heard his heart for Jesus and people, I agreed. He then told me he had looked up places around the area that I could eat for whole30. (BLESS HIS HEART!) So we went to Outback. (He paid!) 

He had admitted that he was so excited for our date that he hadn't eaten yet that day. So he ordered an appetizer of yummy fries. They came to the table, and he offered them to me. I politely said no, because they aren't whole30 compliant. (Fries, oils, cheese, sugary bacon...) so he called the waiter over for a box to take them home. He didn't eat any, even though he was starving, because he wanted to be respectful of me. (It was this exact moment that I decided I wanted to date the heck out of this man.) 

I had told him that I had yoga plans with my friend Tina at 745ish. I just planned an "out" in case he was a creep or it was a bad date. So at 715 when he suggested that we get ready to leave so I wouldn't be late for my friend, I realized that I wasn't ready to say goodbye yet. 

So I texted Tina that I kinda liked him, and she told me to keep hanging out, and we would go to yoga another night. 

So I suggested going to a movie. He was delighted. So as he picked out the movie, I went to the bathroom to text a couple of my friends that I was in fact, still alive, and having the best time ever. 

So we went to the movies. (He paid again...) We saw Zoolander 2. While walking in, I grabbed his elbow, and held on. We were almost inside, when I asked him to take a picture. It was just a perfect moment I wanted to remember. 

So we saw the movie. I held his hand, and let him put his arm around me. And then he walked me to my car. I asked him not to kiss me, and then immediately realized that sounded pretty forward of me to assume he was even thinking that. But I just want to save my kisses, and I didn't want to go there yet. He agreed. 

And then he looked at me, and told me, "Michelle, I see you as a daughter of the King, and that's how I'm going to treat you. Like a princess." 

SERIOUSLY?!?!? #swoonworthy

So then he kissed the top of my head, gave me a hug, and sent me on my way. 

So we've been talking, texting, and face timing. Second date is coming up. I'm pretty excited. 

I love that so many of our conversations are focused on Jesus, and honoring Him. There is no inappropriateness or creepiness. Just encouraging each other to run after Jesus, and love others well. I've NEVER had this before. 

We were talking the other night, and both texted at the same time. He sent a Bible verse, and I sent a picture of me with a mustache. Soooo that's a pretty accurate snapshot of us. 

Excited for more adventures with this dear man. He loves Jesus more than anything, and He told me that he wants to pursue my heart, and win it. #hearteyes 

Taking it slow, but excited to see what God might have in store for us, as we run after Jesus together. 

This is the craziest thing of my entire life. 

What in the world. 

-M