Just when you think you know what you want and definitely what you don't want - Think Again!

In Hals words: (Deb in parenthesis)

Our Lord knows you and your life plan, better than you could ever know, ever plan, or ever control.

Embrace His Greatness and the Benefits we all are blessed with, in our life, and on a Daily basis.

For me, it all started on a slow and very deliberate journey, to ease into a potential relationship that would make the rest of my life more fulfilling- with the right Life-Partner for this stage of my Life.

I did choose, like so many others, to use dating sites to help me hopefully qualify, to some degree, some woman who I hoped would be "equally yoked", with me, my beliefs, my faith, my family and my friends. (we met on match.com)

My process was, at best, an off & on approach, or as some would describe as a Slow Approach! I was probably active on some sites, for a year before ever committing to meet with anyone. I think that qualifies as, really Slow!!! (Yes, we corresponded for probably a year before we decided to meet in person!).

Deb (and her profile) had caught my eye early on in the process, mainly with her classy, professional, and compelling profile. Not to mention her pure Beauty!

Then, probably out of fear of making a mistake, I procrastinated again about following up with Deb, or anyone else for that matter. (I thought most were like that on dating sites anyway...non committal -ha)

So, finally, I stepped up and circled back to Deb (online) and asked her if she would be willing to meet me for "just a drink". She agreed and we set a date and location at Char (Steakhouse), in the Green Hills Area.

Well at that meeting, Deb seemed very nice and professional and definitely as beautiful as her profile pics.

Although, soon after we met-up, I felt like, for what I thought I should be looking for, she really might not be "that girl".

As we all know, Deb has been a successful Realtor for over 10 years, and happily living in the Brentwood Area.

Unfortunately, I had NO Interest in pursuing anyone in the same industry (Real Estate/Building). (Deb definitely felt the same, not wanting to date anyone in the "industry").

So, based on these "rash judgements", I felt like it would be best if I started the process of politely being respectful of her time and mine, after just about 45 minutes, and starting to end the meet-up. (yep, he was pretty stand off-ish!)

THEN - The Good LORD stepped in, in his subtle way, he does so often!

In my effort to use small talk, and to show interest in her as a person, (even if not the person for me), Deb started sharing stories with me about her Father, and his tremendous influence on her life, along with the direction of her faith, parenting, friendships, and -- just her life in general.

Wow, her stories and her admiration for what seemed to be such a Great Man, was impactful and heartwarming, and so interesting.

Of course, those who know me well enough, know that I was 'ready to move on", although, I definitely appreciated Deb as a person, even if she was not potentially "My Person". (He didn't even walk me to my car-I thought, well, that didn't go so well-nice guy, but we'll just move on).

So the meet-up ended- Deb did text me to thank me for meeting her and buying her a drink. She was so classy, different, and real!

With those few follow-up texts we exchanged, it was becoming evident that we both had a lot of things in common, and similar past experiences, even though we grew up and lived in completely different areas of the country.

Deb decided to share with me some of her pictures from her faith/mediation hikes she loves taking at Radnor Lake Park here in Nashville.

Those pictures showed her true heart! Her dedication and expression of her Faith, along with her Love and Memories of the relationship she still misses today, with her Father.

So, then, I was nudged (nudged - By the Good LORD), to start considering what was becoming so obvious;

--We both put Faith 1st in our Lives!

--We both love so many of the same things, such as, Travel, Music, Concerts, Sports, and Fun with Friends and Family.

--She is so dedicated to still being a Great Parent to both of her Beautiful Adult Children,

--She has Great Friends and Great Friendships and nurtures those relationships, with intentionality.

--She cares about -Being her very Best! For herself 1st, and then as a great example for her Son & Daughter, all of Friends and Professional Associates.

--She is so Much Fun, and Loves Life, in so many ways. Her optimistic approach to life is not only appreciated, but needed for most of us, and for sure --me!

Then the biggest epiphany came across to me -- I could only hope that today, tomorrow, and for the rest of the Lives of my two (2) Beautiful and Loving Daughters, they could admire me as a Father, as much as Deb, admired (and still admires) her Father.

If Deb was influenced by such a Loving Father, such an Intentional Father, she must Be REALLY SPECIAL, and why would I not want her to be "The Girl for Me!'

So simply, I then spent the next weeks/months confirming all of these great qualities and the depth of her heart. Wow! Deb has proven to be "All That and More", in so many ways!

So, How Did I get here! I finally opened my eyes and opened my Heart - to take the Direction (the nudge) from The Good LORD, to not miss out on such a Beautiful Wonderful Woman, placed right here with me! I feel very Blessed, every day, with the lovely Deb!

(I began the dating journey much like Hal...being very intentional, and determined to not settle for second best. As Hal and I got to know one another, I knew he was different. His heart, dedication to his family(especially his amazing daughters) and friends, his Faith, and morals stood out to me.

Still, I wanted to take it slow and deliberate in the beginning. God knew what He was doing, with my renewed heart!! Hal is my person, he has impacted my life and heart in powerful and meaningful ways-with his love and affection!!

I am so very thankful we have this chance to share our lives together....I had no idea I would ever see his love, this kind of love, on this side of heaven.

I cant' wait to marry him-and share our love, with the most special people in our lives...all together!!)

We are looking so forward to celebrating with you all!

Love, Deb and Hal

The Harpeth Franklin Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton

Downtown Franklin Association & Historic Main Street District