The Narrow Way

Ok I know we aren't married yet, but May 5th isn't far away, so we are making our website dangit! Follow the link to our new website : http://nathanandnicole.wordpress.com/

Happy Birthday Nathan

Nathan Christopher O'Brien, you are awesome!
I love you and thank God for you
Happy Birthday!

Recycled Air

Two weekends ago I was able to attend the Grove Women's Trip. It was a great opportunity to get to know the women of the Grove and to spend time reflecting on the Lord and all his creation. About 30 of us left early Saturday morning and headed to Lost Valley, where we would be camping for the evening. By about noon we had camp set up and were heading off to our first hike, the Big Bluff trail in Hemmed in Hollow. It was about a 7 mile hike round trip with some great views.

As if that wasn't far enough, a few hiked about another 3 miles when we went to Whitaker Point or Hawksbill Crag. This is a pretty popular site for a very good reason. The view is awesome and there is something incredibly peaceful about sitting on the edge of that mountain.
As if that wasn't cool enough, while we were driving back to camp, we saw a huge elk! Needless to say, the weekend rocked!

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 8:12

Love You Madly

Here are some pictures from our engagement hike! Enjoy!

And of course, the ring...

A Page Is Turned

If you haven't heard the buzz, then this ones for you. Nathan and I are engaged! It all went down on Sunday, September 24, at the Withrow Springs State Park overlook. We settled on the overlook for lunch and to read the Word and pray. Then, the very romantic Nathan, asked me to dance and we did. It was so amazing. Afterward, we stood looking out at all God's creation and simply enjoying it. Then, Nathan asked me to close my eyes because he had a gift. Remember, even now I am completely clueless to what was about to happen. Finally, after a few seconds, he told me to open my eyes and turn around. And there was Nathan, down on one knee, with a ring box! He simply said to me, "Nicole Marie Rhodes, will you marry me?" I freaked! Half laughing, half crying, I asked, "What?! Are you for real? Yes!" and then leapt into Nathan's arms. Even now, I can't express the joy that I felt in that moment! It was absolutely awesome! Thanks to all who have been so incredibly supportive of Nathan and I and most importantly, thank you for your prayers. Keep 'em coming! We love all of you!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

A bandana and a pair of sunglasses found laying in Gulley Park...

Six dozen red roses found lying on my front porch...

One large diamond and a key on a chain found in his mailbox...

Meeting my guy at the place of our first kiss...

These are a few of my favorite clues from the scavenger hunt that Nathan planned for me on Friday night. The significance of it all...our six month anniversary. Of course there was dinner afterward, fun and games to be had, a high speed car race, one crushed cell phone and one clueless, blindfolded girl being carried to who knows where.

That's right, just as I thought the night was ending, Nathan politely asked me to place a blindfold over my eyes while he drove through Fayetteville. Upon arriving at our destination, Nathan took me out of the car and then hoisted me over his shoulder and carried me. When we finally stopped, the blindfold was removed and to my complete surprise, Nathan had prepared a candlelit dance floor in the middle of Gulley Park. He asked me to dance and, of course, I accepted and we danced the night away. It was so romantic! So, here's to Nathan, for being awesome, for a wonderful night and for sweeping me off my feet once again. You are the best and I love you!

Love Addict

This guy is my favorite...


I love you Nate! These past six months have been fantabulous....thanks for being awesome!

Yearn

Yearn
Performed by Shane & Shane

holy design
this place in time
that i might seek and find my God
my God

Lord i want to yearn for You
i want to burn with passion
over You and only You
Lord i want to yearn

Your joy is mine
yet why am i fine
with all my singing and bringing grain
in light of Him

oh You give life and breath
through Him You give all things
in Him we live and move
that's why i sing

acts 17:25-28, hebrews 12:28-29