Mar. 12, 2008 - Courtship

When my husband and I first started homeschooling our daughters we began to see books and various resources in homeschooling catalogs and magazines that spoke about courtship.  Not ever having heard about courtship or seen it in action we were very curious. So we started buying books on the subject, listened to speakers at conferences, read about real-life courtships and basically just tried to learn what it was all about. 

We would talk to the girls about it and shared books with them and let them read about the real-life stories, too.  They were young and, of course, thought the idea was wonderful.  As they have grown-up we have continued learning about it and have been encouraged when we would read about real people who courted and some who even saved their first kiss for their wedding, keeping themselves pure for their future spouse.  Even though the girls are 17 and 15 now, the ripe old ages for dating, they have a real  commitment to courtship.  They too, want to have a story of courtship, purity and faithfulness. 

We don't know what the future holds for any of us, but we do know that if we put our trust in the Lord, that he will be faithful to us and direct our steps and that the outcome will be pleasing in His eyes.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)  We know that each courtship story will be different as each will have different circumstances and individuals involved, but that will make it all the more beautiful as each will be their own story.

I have compiled a list of some resources that we have used over the years.  Some are better than others, in my mind, but they all give insight and ideas in some fashion.


The Courtship Series by the Castleberry family.
   The Courtship of Sarah McLean
   Waiting for Her Isaac
   Jeff McLean:  His Courtship
   Journey of the Heart

I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Josh Harris

Her Hand in Marriage by Douglas Wilson

Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Malley

Emotional Purity by Heather Paulsen

How to Evaluate a Suitor (cd) by Doug Phillips

Of Knights and Fair Maidens by Jeff and Danielle Myers

Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot

The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop

The Squire and the Scroll by Jennie Bishop




Here are some titles that are wonderful for encouraging biblical girlhood.

So Much More by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin

Raising Maidens of Virtue by Stacy McDonald

Beautiful Girlhood by Karen Andreola

Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss

Polished Cornerstones by Pam Forster of Doorposts



This is by no means a complete list, but it is a start. 

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  Galatians 6:9

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Comments

Mar. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by jenn4him

While my kids are still only 10,8, and 6, we have talked to them about this and it is my heart's desire that they would shun the world's views on finding a mate. Thank you for this list. I will take it to heart.
Jenn

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Mar. 12, 2008 - Someday

Posted by ClagettsFLStyle

we will have to meet. Your heart for your girls seems so close to mine.
My DH and I were both saved AFTER we got married and never thought about the courting thing.. until the Lord stepped in.
We have ready a lot of the books you have listed here. And my girls too are waiting for God to provide their husbands.

May you continue to be blessed as you follow after HIS direction in raising your girls.

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Mar. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Shutterbug

Robinlyn,
Thank you for posting those titles! :) That will be very helpful in picking some books. This is my first visit since you changed your blog. I L-O-V-E it!! :) Emily Rose does such excellent work! My blog would not exist without her help! :)
Have a peaceful night,
Marie :)

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Mar. 14, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by magg93

Very good titles. I have read most of them, and enjoyed what and how they put into the books. Courtship is truly the better way to go, in remaining pure, staying emotionally mature, and growing in God in yet another time period of your life.
Love
Maggie

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Mar. 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Pure and Sensible

Great to hear!!! My girls are very young...7y and 4y. But, I started purity lessons about 4 years, including my son. I've read 5 of your top list and am working on 4 of your bottom list. I was at the CHEA convention 2-3 years ago in California when I heard an awesome testimony by Little Bear Wheeler of Mantle Ministries about his daughter Noelle and her now husband Joshua Goforth. I have the audio/dvd series "To Have and To Hold". If you ever get a chance to hear/see it...the wedding clip is so beautiful. But, to appreciate it to its fullest, an understanding of their courtship brings one who is striving for purity to tears. Such encouragement! Leinani
www.heartofwisdom.com/PUREANDSENSIBLE/

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Mar. 24, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by artmommy

That was a good post on courtship, a lot of people have never even heard of it or don't understand what it really is. Your page looks nice! Natalie

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