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Robby & Ashley
9.28.14
Kettering, OH
Our Journey of Love & Like
Friends: 2011
My first recollections of Robby were in May of 2004, when my family took a trip to 3ABN Campmeeting. Our entire family went to the Primary class, where we met a lovely family, the Steffens. I became fast friends with Shayla. During one of the meetings, a young man with an orange shirt came into the room, rushed up to Uncle Randy, and breathlessly asked him a question. The thought crossed my young mind, “My, that young man has a lot of energy!” I never recall meeting Robby formally; in my mind I have just always known him. During the next few years, our two families got together quite frequently.We often visited each other’s homes, got together for fun activities like running marathons and or bike riding extravaganzas, or traveled to foreign countries on mission trips.We developed many precious memories, as our families became closer and we got to know everyone better as friends.
Ashley
Robby
We were finally in a courtship, and we had never been happier! There were so many new, exciting nuances of life to enjoy. We would get up early and read “Adventist Home” together; we exercised together; we cooked together; we planned out our life together; we did ministry together; and we praised the Lord together, at the close of every day, for the gift of our relationship. There were many lessons ahead, and many prayers, many talks with our parents. Yet every day was full of joy, because there is no joy like that of letting God take the pen of our very own love story.
Robby
After that first 3ABN camp meeting in 2004, I noticed that my sister and Ashley began to communicate closely over email. One day I remember passing by the computer and seeing a new email from Ashley on the screen. Out of curiosity, I sat down and scanned the email. I was immediately impressed. Shayla and Ashley were discussing their favorite Bible verses, and I still vividly remember what Ashley said her favorite verse was, along with her corresponding commentary. She said that her favorite Bible verse was 1 John 1:9. I remember walking away from the computer very much liking what I saw, and thinking, “Now that is one very spiritual girl!”
The Newly Courting Couple 2012
I spun around and looked into Robby's face,which was rather serious, and shocked. He said "Ashley…. I need to talk to you for a minute." At that moment my heart began to race faster than it ever had before, and my breath came in short little gasps. The blood drained out of my face, and my voice shook as I said "Me?!" Robby replied, "yes you." Somehow I managed to walk into the next room. Out of the blue, Robby said, 'lets pray!' I was duly confused by now, and asked, “Pray? now? Alright, lets pray." We both knelt down next to each other, and Robby prayed a lovely prayer, though I cannot remember a word he said, for every single emotion was flooding through me right then.
Building Our First"House" Together
I could hardly wrap my mind around it, yet as reality set in, tears began to fill my eyes. The joyous scene that ensued was one of pure happiness. The family came in, and hugs went everywhere. We all kneeled down as a family and asked God’s blessing on our new relationship. God had beautiful plans in store for Robby and I. The days ahead only promised to overflow all the more... and I couldn’t wait... As I got to know Robby more and more, I saw in him a spiritual leader and a man who loved familiness. His prayers always melted my heart and called me higher in my walk with God. I loved (and still do!) how Robby had an exuberance for life, and a love for people. The way he always strove to learn more inspired me to broaden the horizens of my knowledge as well. In my spiritual walk, my family life, my practical day to day life, Robby inspired me, yet at the same time entered into everything I loved. Every day I fell more and more in 'like' with what I saw in Robby.
Togetherness Brings Joy Indescribable!
The year 2012 dawned with a sparkle in its eye. Unbeknownst to Ashley, I had been feeling that it was high time to have a talk with Uncle Tom. After much prayer, study, and counseling with my family, I felt confident that God had a plan for my life – a plan that included Ashley in a very real way. And so, on the very exciting – and nerve wracking – night of March 12, 2012, I had a very long conversation with Uncle Tom in the basement of his house. As we talked and prayed over the issue, I was overjoyed to hear Uncle Tom state that he and Aunt Shelley had already discussed this, and felt confident that a courtship was in God’s will. We talked for a couple hours, after which Uncle Tom gave me permission to ask Ashley to court me.
Ashley
As Robby and I got older, keeping our hearts became a true-to-life lesson. Psalms 37 became my recipe. The verse, “Delight thyself in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart,” was my ever present reminder that God will make things happen in His own time and way. “Trust in the Lord and do good: so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” I strove to fulfill God’s calling by involving myself in ministry to bless others and keep my focus on Christ. Instead of dreaming about a future potential relationship, I tried to improve my present opportunities that I might be prepared for whatever God called me to do.
Robby
The years passed quickly. Our families continued getting together often, and the more I saw of Ashley, the more I saw to like. I thought that I had never before met a girl who was so capable, talented, and spiritual. But as soon as I found my mind dwelling on Ashley’s virtues, I would just as soon remind myself that we were just friends – still quite young, with much to accomplish and become before we could ever think about, well, what the future might hold.
Ashley
That weekend the Steffens were visiting us, I saw Daddy and Robby trying to slip away unnoticed… As I watched them go downstairs, I was wondering what could possibly be going on. It was getting really late, so we decided to begin worship without Robby and Daddy. Shayla and I were playing the song, I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go on the piano with four hands. Shayla and I were playing happily along, and then on the second verse, it seemed that the voices accompanying us were becoming quieter…. and that Shayla was making mistakes on the bass/tenor part. It seemed odd and I had no idea what was going on behind me.
As we finished the second verse, chills ran down my back as I felt a hand on my shoulder.
As Robby gazed into my face, tears filled his precious eyes. I'll never forget the look on Robby’s face at that moment in time. It was so priceless, so entirely heart-melting. With tears in his voice he spoke the most beautiful words that I had ever heard. "Ashley… Uncle Tom gave me permission to court you…" I was completely blown away. I hadn't been expecting this for months. For a few minutes I was speechless. My mind was whirling, my heart was racing... "Oh Robby… there's nothing in the world I'd love More! "
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