Defining Amazing & Wonderful

As I typed my courtship journal entries a couple weeks ago, I realized that I use the words "amazing" and "wonderful" to describe Stephen ridiculously often, so I decided I would elaborate on a few of the attributes that make him so amazing and wonderful to me. I am also writing this because I miss him very much and I love to write about him!

He is an avid student of the Bible and walks closely with the Lord. He has a depth of spiritual wisdom that far surpasses his years, and by his example, I am challenged in my own walk with God. He is someone that I can respect and I have full confidence that he will be an excellent spiritual leader for our own family. He thinks through biblical, cultural, and political issues deeply and has profound insights. He is an outspoken Christian and his testimony of God's saving grace in his life is the most beautiful story of redemption I have ever heard. He seeks out the wisdom of godly mentors. He prays the sweetest prayers over us. When he is praying, I can hardly even concentrate on praying in my heart because I just want to remember all the wonderful things he says!
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He honors me and encourages me in biblical womanhood. He is so proud of me for wanting to simply be a homemaker. He firmly believes in a traditional, complementarian view of marriage. He is committed to being faithful in our marriage and I can trust him wholeheartedly without reservation. He wants a large family and is going to be such a good daddy to our children one day. He is the man I hope our sons grow up to be just like. Nothing brings me as much joy as hearing him talk about our future family.

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He treats me like his greatest treasure and writes the sweetest love letters to me. It is my delight to open my email inbox and see an unread message from him, even just a few sentences telling me what he is thinking about and that he loves and misses me; or when I eagerly await his "real letters" arriving in the mailbox. Everything he buys me and everywhere he has taken me is top notch. He insists on driving everywhere (just to be sweet... not because my driving scares him... or at least I don't think that is the reason!) and opens the car door for me. He likes my cooking and tells his family and friends about what I cook for him.
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He is way brilliant and strives for excellence in everything. Among his many intellectual gifts, he is an incredible writer. All of his articles and essays are so well-written and have perfect conclusions. He is extremely driven, disciplined, and he has an exemplary work ethic. He is always reading deep books and articles, both for his studies and enjoyment, yet he kindly takes the time to explain some of what he is learning. He challenges me and teaches me so much. He has plenty of reasons to be proud of his accomplishments, yet he is remarkably humble. He is a leader that is not hindered by man's approval.

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He has so much vision! Prior to meeting Stephen, I was truly sick of all of the aimless, directionless guys of my generation. It seemed that the vast majority of young men were avoiding responsibility and attempting to prolong their youth as long as possible. Stephen is nothing like all of those guys. He thinks way far into the future and has proven himself to be diligently preparing for the next chapter. He is so intentional in his decisions, including in his pursuit of me. He took the initiative in our courtship and was respectful toward my parents throughout a long, intense pre-courtship process.

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I could list so many more reasons why he is so perfect for me and I am so thankful for him. He is so much more than I ever hoped for or imagined. Every single day I am amazed that I am marrying him.