Once upon a time, th
ere was a little girl who loved to play Cinderella.
She would don her grandmother’s tattered patchwork skirt and go about with her broom, or dress up in her mother’s beribboned petticoat and bedjacket and run upstairs fleeing the “palace” and leaving her slipper behind for the prince—who might be Mommy or an obliging little boy. She watched the 1965 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella over and over again.
As she grew, she became more enamored with pioneers than princesses and wore sunbonnets more than glass slippers. But deep in her heart, growing stronger as she grew from childhood to maidenhood, remained the longing to find a prince who would love her, pursue her—though perhaps not down the palace steps—and want her for his princess.
But princes seemed to be in scarce supply these days. Sometimes a fine young man came along, and they came to be friends, and she wondered if he might be her prince. But he never was. And tears came, and broken dreams, and sometimes the maiden thought perhaps no prince would ever want her after all.
The good thing was, those tears and heartaches helped her make a discovery: there was a Prince who loved her, who wanted her, who had left His palace for her sake and even given His life for her. Who loved her more than any earthly man ever could, and who would never fail or leave or disappoint her. And she learned to press closer to Him, and to know that if the only Prince she ever knew was Jesus, He was enough . . . even though sometimes her heart still ached for an earthly one.
Well, after some time, through her cousin, the maiden was introduced to a quiet young man. At first she didn’t think he could be her prince. After all, she was quiet too, so how could that work? And yet . . . he looked and acted so much like a prince. She hadn’t known men like him even existed anymore.
They slowly got to know each other, and learned they had a lot in common. They were both rather old-fashioned and liked walking through gardens, going to plays, and having tea. They both loved children and wanted to follow Jesus. They had longer and longer talks and discovered that neither one was quiet all the time. They went on picnics and made each other laugh.
One day, the prince told the maiden his feelings for her went deeper than friendship. Though she was growing to care deeply for him, she wasn’t entirely sure of her feelings yet. He was very patient with her. And only a few weeks later, she told him she was ready, and their courtship became official.
A snapshot of Anthony and me the day we got engaged…taken by my husband-to-be himself. He is so talented. 🙂
Over the next year, they made many more memories. They spent time with friends and family, watched movies, and went English Country Dancing. They discovered that neither one of them was perfect and hurt each other’s feelings and learned to forgive. They had lots and lots and lots of long talks.
Then, on the anniversary of the day the maiden told the prince she was ready for a relationship, he took her to a beautiful garden of roses. And catching her completely by surprise, he knelt down and asked her to be his princess for as long as their Lord would allow.
And she said yes.
As you might have guessed, I am the girl in this story. And I am so very humbled and grateful and honored to announce my engagement to the wonderful Anthony Giron, a man of great honor, integrity, thoughtfulness, wisdom, dignity, and grace.
I hope you have enjoyed this little fairy-tale of ours . . . which seems especially appropriate because Anthony really does have a princely title, bestowed when one of his high school English teachers, a wonderful lady, established a royal court within her tenth grade class to accompany their study of English history and literature…a tradition that carries on among them to this day. Anthony’s official title is the Prince of Wales (Heir Presumptive to the Throne), and Royal Duke of Cardiff, among other holdings.
And he truly does make me feel like a princess, even if I sometimes feel unworthy of the title. But I do look forward to becoming his wife. I’m sure I will share more about Anthony with you over the coming months as we prepare for our wedding—in the meantime, we appreciate your prayers as we move through this time of great transition, but also much joy!
Kiersti, what a joy this was to read! All the more so because it is your beautiful story, woven so perfectly for you and Anthony by our Master Storyteller. Thank you for sharing your heart and this real-life love story! You are a blessing, glorifying God in all you do.
Thank you so much, Amanda…as always, your sweet words and beautiful heart are such a blessing and encouragement. Bless you, friend!
Congratulations!! I’m so happy and excited for you! I can’t wait to (hopefully) read more. 🙂 I pray that God will bless you both in your marriage!
Thank you, Kelvey! You’re so sweet. 🙂
I am so happy for you! I feel like I know you in person from all of our communication on Facebook. Enjoy this wonderful time of your life, dear Kiersti! It sounds like Anthony deserves such a special woman. God bless!
Thank you so much, Norma! I do hope we get to actually meet in person someday, but I’m so grateful for your “online” friendship. 🙂 Thank you for your blessings and encouragement!
AWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!
I love this!! And I am SO thankful you have your prince.
Although, I don’t see the permission slip he’s supposed to fill out.
😉
Thank you, Shik’is. 🙂
I am gleeful on your behalf, Kiersti! May the Lord bless you both as your walk life’s path together.
Thank you so much, sweet Jenni! What a blessing you are.
Oh, Yay! When I saw the email notification of this post and read the title I was hoping this was what your story was about. You are both very blessed; Anthony is a terrific young man and I’m sure you will be wonderfully happy together! Tell him congratulations from my husband Mike and me! Can’t wait to hear about the wedding and see the photos!
Thank you so much, Linda! I know you have been significant friends in Anthony’s life…I’m grateful to get to know you too. 🙂
Kiersti, This post makes me so happy, I couldn’t help but smile reading it. I feel like I’ve shared this journey with you as a bystander. I’m so glad to know you’re so happy. Blessings to you both and your future together.
Thank you so much, Marilyn! I’m so thankful to have gotten to share this journey with my C-Peeps…you all have given me so much love and wisdom along the way, and I know you’ll continue to. 🙂
So happy for you both! Your handsom prince was also looking for his perfect princess and the Lord granted your wishes. I could not be happier for you both! Keep me in the ongoing “really-tale”. I believe the Lord is pleased with your choices.
Thank you so much, Claudia! 🙂
Congratulations, dear Kiersti! This is a beautiful story, and even more so because it’s a true fairytale. I love how God weaves the perfect story for each of us. Praying for you and Anthony as you prepare for the greatest adventure of your lives.
Thank you so much, Gabrielle! 🙂
What a wonderful story!!!
I am so happy for you two! 🙂
Blessings and His shine upon you!
Thank you so much, sweet Agnes (Eun-ha) friend! I miss you!
Hello! I just wanted to drop you a comment saying it was so nice to meet you at the CHEA Blogger’s Night Out! You shared some great tips and advice, and I had a great time!
Your blog is absolutely charming!!
I would love if you would check out my humor and lifestyle blog, if you do get the chance! It’s definitely different, but maybe you would like it!
Again, it was so great to meet you.
http://www.rebekahkoontzsite.com
Hi Rebekah! Thanks so much for stopping by–I really enjoyed meeting you too. And I will definitely check your blog out–thanks for the link!
Blessings. 🙂
I really enjoyed your blog, Rebekah! For some reason it wouldn’t let me like or comment, but I was there and hope to be back! Your humor is delightful. 🙂