Courtship
Welcome to the courtship page! A long time ago when I was a little girl, my parents decided that courtship was a better solution to their daughter finding a husband. As I grew up in my home, surrounded by teaching from the Bible on all aspects of life, I also agreed that courtship was a better idea than dating. I have done a lot of reading on courtship, and have some books to recommend to you.
These are not in any particular order. I will note the ones I like most or least, along with any explanation that is needed.
The Pattern of Courtship, by Natali Miller.
Of Knights and Fair Maidens, by Jeff & Danielle Meyers. (On the whole this is a very helpful book. I have to note that for me personally, I would not want to be doing things completely alone with a guy, and I would also want to save our first kiss for the altar. :) But otherwise this is a good book.)
The Courtship of Sarah McLean, by Mr. & Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry. This is a fiction book but I really enjoyed it. It is a bit idealistic, but that's not necessarily a bad thing!
Jeff McLean: His Courtship, by Mr. & Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry. Jeff is Sarah's brother. Another good piece of fiction!
Waiting for Her Isaac, by Mr. & Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry. This is also fiction, but I enjoyed it a lot as well.
Her Hand in Marriage, by Doug Wilson.
Guidelines for Courtship & Preparation for Marriage, by Jeff Barth. This is an interesting little booklet that goes into the "why" and "how" behind courtship.
Since I have never gone through a courtship, I don't really feel qualified to give much advice on it! I have a few things to tell you, but on the whole I feel that most of the advice should come from people who have gone through courtship, plus godly older people (like your parents! :))
I have struggled with having to wait to this point in my life. Sometimes it's not hard to think about waiting, and other times it can be very upsetting. God really IS in control though! As hard as it has been, I keep remembering the many stories I have read from people just like me who thought they would never EVER meet anyone, and then they did! It's a great source of encouragement. I still don't know what God has in store for me regarding my singleness, but each day I try to keep my mind filled with the Lord wants rather than what I want! :) Every night I try to remember to pray for my future husband. That really helps when you feel like nothing is ever going to work out!
Here are some Scriptures which speak on trusting in the Lord....I've found them to be a great help!
Delight yourself also in the LORD,And He shall give you the desires of your heart. ~ Psalm 37:4
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. ~ Psalm 9:10
But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD;I say, “You are my God.” ~ Psalm 31:14
Commit your way to the LORD,Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. ~ Psalm 37:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. ~ Luke 12:7