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Our Story
And we know that all things work together for good to
those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
God has certainly been with us. On
July 17th, both of us were in search of long-term, spiritually based
relationships. Each of us wanted a marriage that was firmly rooted in God and in
His Word. Neither one of us knew the other existed - but we knew God had a plan
for us.
That all changed on July 18th. I was browsing profiles on a
generic christian singles site (Christian Cafe), limiting my search to those men
who claimed to be members of the church of Christ. I read Don's profile a few
times, each time leaving and coming back. Finally I sent him a wink - I knew I
wanted to know more about him, but I had absolutely no clue what to say. For
those of you who know me well - I am rarely at a loss for words ... LOL.
The very next day, Don wrote back - a very long email that again
left me speechless. From the very beginning - Don considered me to be an answer
to his prayers (for a wife with whom he could be equally yoked, spiritually
speaking); and wanted to study and pray with me daily. It was a few more days
before we spoke on the phone - but from that time, there has not been a day go
by when we have forgotten to pray. This year, we are starting a daily year-long
Bible reading schedule, hoping to read through in chronological order. If you
would like to view the schedule we are following - you can find it here.
We met face-to-face the first time on August 18th, 2006. I flew
to Tallahasee, FL to spend a four-day weekend with him. The next chance we had
to spend time together was Labor Day weekend in Birmingham, AL, with my parents.
He was most definitely a big hit! I was able to meet his youngest brother Phil
the same weekend. I met the rest of Don's family the weekend of October 6th, and
also joined him the last weekend in October for a company picnic near Destin,
FL.
On September 15th, Don flew to Madison, WI (where I was living
at the time) to spend the weekend with me and meet my friends. That Sunday,
September 17th, after morning worship services we went to Tony Roma's for lunch.
After we were done eating and the waiter had cleared the dishes, Don wouldn't
let me get up from the table. A couple of minutes later he started to get up so
I did too. He still wouldn't let me get up ... LOL.
He got down on one knee, and of course by that time I knew what
was up. I remember covering my face for a few seconds, but then looked at him. I
don't remember everything he said, but I do remember he called me by name
("Heather Louise"), and he said "On this Lord's day" and something about Him
being the center & foundation of our relationship. And of course he said "will
you marry me?" I said yes - obviously! LOL But then I wasn't sure if he'd heard
me, so I said it again. He laughs that I said it twice. :) I also remember
hearing a group at a table behind us saying something - but I couldn't tell if
they were talking about us or something else.
The proposal was incredibly special - because of the connection
Don made about it being the Lord's day and God being the center & foundation of
our relationship. :)
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