Princess Fiona: “But I don’t understand. I’m supposed to be beautiful.” Shrek: “But you are beautiful.”
If I had to pick my top five favorite movies, Shrek would definitely make the list. It’s clever, the humor hits my sweet spot, and I all-out love Donkey. But the depth of my appreciation comes from Princess Fiona. I couldn’t help but relate to her plight, wanting the ugliness that comes at night to be consumed by beauty, and considering that change the precursor to being loved and accepted.
Like Fiona, I hid my weakness, not wanting to be exposed. The Lord has been so gracious over the years to uncover me by his purity and cover me with his grace; to accept me based on his great love for me, not on my ability to be who I want to be. He taught me to be uncovered with his people; to do the grit of life under the umbrella of Love.
Then I met John. In theory, I was totally ready to step into a relationship. In reality, I was terrified and desperately wanted to find a safe, familiar place to hide. But God gave me peace – date by date, fear by fear – and I found joy with this wonderful man who loved me no matter what. Our hearts have grown together and toward our very good God as we’ve walked this journey together under his big umbrella.
Today, John took me on a hike to a favorite spot. In dripping cave, I sat on a rock with this man I love kneeling before me. There were rose petals scattered around and champagne waiting, but I was lost in the intimate faithfulness of the God who led me through so much to get me here, to this place where I could whole-heartedly accept the beautiful proposal of marriage John held out before me. To comprehend, like Fiona, that I’m loved as I am. And to know that because of an unchangeable Love of immense purity, I can love in return…. all the days of my life.
For those of you who missed the posts that led up to this point, I’m going to create a special category on the blog. It’s a great story!
where waves grow sweet 
Congratulations! So happy for you!
By: julie on August 8, 2011
at 8:21 am
Thank you Julie! It’s just the beginning, right? 🙂
By: karanoel on August 8, 2011
at 4:34 pm
Absolutely… especially when God laid the cornerstone of your relationship. Yea!
By: julie on August 9, 2011
at 6:58 pm
you’ve brought an old man to tears; Laverne and I rejoice with you both.
Thank you for bringing us along as you, “…to do the grit of life under the umbrella of Love”.
By: Houston 'Ray' Johnson on August 8, 2011
at 9:44 am
Ray, You have been so very kind to me. Thank you! Looking forward to more life with you under that big umbrella.
By: karanoel on August 8, 2011
at 4:33 pm
Oh happy day! What a testament, can’t wait to celebrate with you. 🙂
By: Sarah on August 8, 2011
at 1:00 pm
Thank you sweet friend! So excited about this happy day… and the one we will celebrate for you!!
By: karanoel on August 8, 2011
at 4:35 pm
CONGRATS!!!! Knew it!!! God has awesome things in store for you two as you continue to knit your hearts, minds and souls into one, under His MIGHTY covering! Praying for you and rejoicing with you:) 🙂 🙂 xoxo
~your personality actually reminds me a lot of Princess Fiona!
By: Meg on August 8, 2011
at 2:52 pm
Thank you Meg! So happy you got to meet John (and me :)) and be a part of our journey! Hoping our paths cross again very soon. Big love to you guys.
By: karanoel on August 8, 2011
at 4:39 pm
What wonderful news from two wonderful people who I know will be fabulously happy together! Congratulations to you both!
By: Hal/Cheryl Henderson on August 8, 2011
at 6:23 pm
Thank you Hal & Cheryl! Feeling very excited!
By: karanoel on August 8, 2011
at 11:27 pm
Dear Kara, Congratulations! I am so very happy for you! I can’t help but envision our dear Jeanne dancing a jig of delight at this wonderful news, too! She loved you so and prayed for this joy in your life xxx Much love, Mae xxx
By: Mae Wheeler on August 9, 2011
at 8:24 am
Oh Mae, Thank you so much. I thought of Jeanne the day I got engaged. Makes me smile so big to think of what her reaction would have been! Loved her a lot…. and love you too. Kara
By: karanoel on August 9, 2011
at 9:14 pm
Kara! Congratulations on this joyful and momentous event! Very happy to see that you’ve made it to the other side of the lake where Jesus was waiting for you, with John. I can almost picture it, you getting ready to come out of the boat and Jesus coming up to you and helping you get out. Then He walks you onto the beach and He places your hand into John’s. Awesome!
By: Maria on August 9, 2011
at 6:30 pm
What a beautiful picture Maria. Thank you for sharing the moment with me!
By: karanoel on August 9, 2011
at 9:15 pm
You two look like two peas in a pod. So happy together. You make quite a charming couple. I’m so happy for you. Congratulations! All the best, Meka
By: meka voge on August 9, 2011
at 10:39 pm
Meka, You are one of the kindest people I know. Thank you for all your generosity and encouragement!
By: karanoel on August 16, 2011
at 12:19 pm
Kara,
We share your great joy at you finding your “prince.” What a blessing! George asked me to add that I, Marabel, married Shrek’s donkey. The donkey says “This is tooooooo much of a blessing for words.”
Love,
Marabel & George
By: Marabel Baker on August 10, 2011
at 6:17 pm
Thank you Marabel and Donkey – I mean George! Very exciting to be starting this new chapter. Hope to see you at the Bible study on Thursday… and maybe for a double date sometime. 🙂
By: karanoel on August 16, 2011
at 12:14 pm
Dear One,
You look like your mama but you write like your dad! But you are totally you and I am so happy for you and John. Rich and I have known John for many years and are so blessed for both of you. I loved your blog and hope you will add my name to it. Blessings and love…………pam
By: Pam Boyer on August 12, 2011
at 3:25 pm
Thank you Pam! John has been such a blessing to me and Cole. Kinda fun that you know us both. Looking forward to sharing the wedding – and beyond – with you and Rich.
By: karanoel on August 16, 2011
at 12:17 pm