Honeymoon

Roman and I are safely back and well settled into our home, so now it is time you will see just a little glimpse of our honeymoon. The first night was spent at a lodge on Big Mountain, so not a long drive. We left late Sunday morning and drove to Moses Lake, WA. Seven wonderful hours in the car, visiting, listening to John MacArthur, sharing stories, and enjoying music and silence together. It really was the first time we had been alone. No siblings or parents close by, just the luggage. We both were so glad that we waited until now to hold hands and hug. It was easy to settle in and the waiting had taught us both a great deal of both patience and self-control. I can say very honestly that I do not regret the boundaries we set in our courtship and engagement.

Now all is very delightful indeed.

We reached our destination Seaside OR on Monday after several hours in the car. I was thrilled when Roman told me that we were going to the coast. It has to be one of my favorite places on God's earth.

Long beach walks and picnics was how we spent the time. It was so nice to just relax, and not have to do anything at all.

The locals were very kind to ignore all the romance of a happy, young couple.

The driver did a great job, never got lost once. That was the navigators fault (yours truly).

We are praising God for the work He has done for it is wonderful to us. May God bless you as you see His work in your lives.

Caitlin

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Roman Mallery!

More pictures and details later!

Here we Go!

(Not my picture)

As of this afternoon and especially tomorrow, aunts, uncles, Grandmas, Grandpas, and friends will start coming through our door. Some to stay at our house, others to say hi and give us all big hugs.

And were sick.

Its not that bad, just a very annoying cold and cough, but at a time like this, lets just say we really did not need it. We all feel a little tired, and the real excitement is just beginning. And we don't want the bride to be sick on her honeymoon. But thankfully she seems to be getting better.

So, Please pray that we would all feel better...and soon!
See you after the Wedding!

In Christ,

Jillian

Contending

"I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith, which was once delivered for all the saints."

Jude 3

The calling of any Christian is to live in such a way as to stand out from the world, and to walk as a Christ walked. For Christian women it is set forth that we are to represent the Bride of Christ. In this capacity we are to contend for the faith. Our faith is that Christ will return and take us to live with Him, that we will attain the fullness of the salvation of God. Then He will judge if we have lived in such a way that He was the center of every action, every decision, every area of life. He will judge if we have contended for the faith.

As a single young woman it has been my goal to glorify God in every thing I do, and to follow the instructions of 1 Corinthians 7 that young women be concerned about the things of the Lord, that they may be holy in body and in spirit. (verse 34) I have spent time studying His Creation through gardening, studying different theology books available that I may have a ready answer for those who ask about why I do what I do. I have endeavored to proclaim the gospel to the employs of my work, and share the beauty of music in praising God. with piano students. I have sought to learn more of the history of the world by pursuing a college degree in history, and this has brought new areas of study and ministry to me. In all this I have never left my parents home. Never went on a mission, never stayed in a dorm, never had a boyfriend. I simply tried to contend for the faith in the areas of my daily life. In doing laundry, weeding, planning costume parties, and working in a restaurant. The Lord calls us to do it all for Him.

Next week my life will change to a new direction. I will no longer be single, but the wife of Roman Mallery. I will have a new way to contend for the faith. To honour marriage in a culture where it is slighted. To love a husband in an active and real way, not based on feelings, but a daily decision of the will. I have been prepared by my mother to be a homemaker, and by my father to be a faith contender, and by my Lord to take all these duties into the building of a new family.

To all other handmaidens out there, singleness is not a time for inactivity. Marriage does not mean greater ministry. We are all in unique circumstances, but the one thing that is the same is our calling to contend for the faith. To give an answer for the hope that lies within us. May each young lady see that she is doing well, when she is doing daily what God has asked her, cook a meal, write a paper, play an instrument, or change a diaper. May you all contend for the faith by daily seeking to glorify God.

The best preparation for the future is the present well seen to, and the last duty done.

~George MacDonald

An Announcement

We have an announcement to make that is most exciting.
On July 3, 2010 Roman Mallery asked Caitlin to marry him and she said," Yes!" They are engaged!!
So the Blair Carstensen family will finally gain a son, with the blessing of parents, the delight of sisters, and the utter joy of the couple.
After five months of prayer, work, and a lot of talking we are moving towards a September wedding. The summer just keeps getting busier, and it will
be so much fun. The plans are underway, and we will get more details together in the next couple of weeks. Now for the proposal story:

Roman arrived at our home Saturday evening with his parents and an armful of packages. The girls were visiting friends so Caitlin opened the gifts of perfume, a jewelry set, beautiful dress, and lovely sweater with eager parents watching. My very nervous suitor had picked out a lovely new outfit and we were all going out to ShowThyme for dinner.



So I got all dressed up and changed as well. Then I presented myself to him. As I walked down the hall he stood up, and then sat right back down. He was delighted!

We then went to a very delicious dinner. The restaurant has a five-star chef, so it was top class.

After things had settled down we all headed to Flathead Lake to watch the sunset.

Roman and I walked out on the dock, and the parents stayed back on shore. It was unusually still, and calm. Around the lake people set off fireworks in preparation for
Independence Day. We talked for a little, admiring the view in this beautiful place where we live. Then he changed the subject, and slowly got down on one knee.
After a short speech he took from his pocket a final package, containing a lovely ring.



After he asked and I said yes, we knelt for a prayer.

Then we hugged, and talked, and enjoyed the sunset.

Before we left he had me write something on the back window of the car.

Then we called all the siblings and went back to our home, and had cake and sparkling cider, and lots of hugs, laughs, and talking.

There you have it. The proposal story, and now it is on to wedding plans, and home plans, and any other plans that may come up.
I will leave you with one last picture, showing the roses Roman gave me, along with the ring.

Have a wonderful summer, and we hope to see you all in September!

The Carstensens,
Blair, Rebecca, Laurel, Jillian, Hayley
Roman and Caitlin