True love stories | What real life couples learned about love

Whether it’s a Hallmark movies or the latest Netflix chick-flick, almost every girl loves a good love story.

But that’s all they are… stories.

True love takes intentionality, selflessness, and often unfolds in unconventional ways.

Whether the match was made through mutual friends, at an ice cream shop, or through an online dating site, these real life love stories remind us that it’s all about trusting God and His timing. Be patient, girl. True love is worth the wait.

Finding your one true love

Maybe you’ve spent years praying for your future spouse, or maybe you just started dating. Wherever you are in your love story, it can get discouraging when you compare real life to what you see on social media and the silver screen.

So we thought it was about time to fill our hearts and our minds with biblical encouragement and inspiring stories of true love.

We sent some Q&A to some of our favorite couples to get their advice on life, love, and keeping God at the center of it all. Including…

  • What qualities did you look for in a husband?
  • What’s your best advice to young women in dating relationships?
  • What’s your best advice for those pursuing sexual purity?

They share practical tips on physical boundaries, dish about their differences, and get real about the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Plus it’s a great excuse see their wedding photos because who doesn’t love looking at pictures of weddings?!

Here’s a sneak peek of the couples we’ll be highlighting:

Marriage is a beautiful commitment that will change you. Period. You can’t live with someone day in and day out and not have them reshape the way you see the world on some level. Make sure you are choosing someone that will help you change for the better!
– Bethany Woodfin
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about purity to understand what it really means, besides just waiting until marriage to have sex.
– Elizabeth Dosenberry
No matter how godly your spouse is and how much they love you, they are still human and they will hurt you, fail you, disappoint you. You must always draw your strength and self worth from God if you are to be the complement God meant for you to be for them even in their weakness.
– Shannon Olson
Don’t compromise your values and don’t settle for less than God’s best.
– Joy Garvelink
Over 26 years later, we would still choose to spend every minute of every day together if we could!
– Beth Longjohn
Ultimately, we think we know a thing or two about love when we get married, but God, who IS love, keeps working out what love looks like practically, day to day, and I realize how much I have to learn!
– Kaitlyn Naveed
When we got married, God was not the center of our marriage. But we realized that God was exactly what we needed to keep us together all of these years.
– Tammy Peterson
Don’t date someone you can’t see yourself marrying.
– Erin Hines
The more time you spend with God, the more capable you are of being able to love someone else and yourself in the healthiest way. 
– Kara Thornell
It was his passion for God, his desire to seek and follow God that first made me realize that he was the type of man I wanted to marry.
– Grace Rodriguez
Don’t be naive and think that sexual temptation won’t be an issue. Be aware that there will be temptation and set healthy boundaries early in your relationship.
– Naomi Leestma

Follow our series #truelovestories!

We interviewed some of our favorite couples to ask them what true love looks like.  And we are so excited to introduce these stories to you.  True love exists, and it’s worth the wait. #truelovestories #acrossmyheart