Like something you would see on a TV movie, Ryan and Cierra met by a beautiful "chance" moment. While some would call it "luck" or "chance" we all know that it was only the hand of God.

Ryan and Cierra were both walking their dogs (individually) at dusk on a Thursday evening, when Ryan's dog Maya came up to Cierra's dog, Bella, to play. What began as a simple, friendly conversation between two dog parents became a beautiful love story worth telling on the Hallmark Channel.

It did not take long for Ryan and Cierra to know that they were brought together by God for a very on-purpose reason. After their meeting, they spent almost every single minute of their free time together because they just couldn't get enough of each other's presence. Cierra fell in love with Ryan's heart for his children and his steadfast love for Jesus shown through his unceasing prayer and passionate worship. Ryan fell in love with Cierra's "sunshine" and love for Jesus shown so beautifully through powerful prayers and her heart poured out in singing to the Lord.

Their love of dogs, their ownership of chickens, the country-raised upbringing, and the downright crazy-silliness of them both, were just all the beauty added on top.

From the very beginning, the most important driving factor for Ryan and Cierra's relationship has been their love of The Lord. Both of them have been radically transformed by the love and grace of Jesus.

HE is the thing that holds their feet to the ground, HE is what gives them the breath in their lungs to pray and sing praises. HE is the one who brought them together and holds them tightly in his arms. This has ALL been on Gods timing; his ways are much higher than ours and his plans, significantly better than our own. So while this relationship is grounded in faith, has been prayed for and prayed over by MANY people, the couple acknowledges that it is also a leap of faith and obedience to the Creator of the Universe.

Will you please join with the family and loved ones in praying for Ryan and Cierra's relationship and their new family?

It took absolutely no time at all for Cierra to fall in love with Ryan's children, Addie and Easton. From the first taco night, to pumpkin patch family days and bedtime prayers, Cierra is like a perfectly fit puzzle piece into the young Downs family.

Coming together to build a new life is the most beautiful thing for every member of this family. Both Cierra and Ryan could not be happier to embark on this incredible parenting journey together.