Our story: Miranda's version.

So let's go back about 3 years; Ivan and I first met at a friend's wedding. I thought he seemed fun but did not have any interest in him at that time. Little did I know what would happen in a few years. Over the days that turned into years, the Father continued the work he had started in my heart and continued to show me more of who He is and who I am. The desire to be married still lingered in my mind and often caused me to question God's goodness in my life in this area as it was not happening. I came to the point where I felt at peace with being single the remainder of my life if that was how God would be the most glorified in my life and me most satisfied in him. The months that followed were honestly pure bliss with the Lord, and I so loved that sweet season.

So there I was just fully content; still hopeful that God will give good gifts, a husband being one of them, but trusting him in whatever happens.

The day came along in mid September of 2023. My friend's Lee and Cindy invited me to hangout and it just so happened that Ivan was there. After that evening I realized something in my heart shifted and an interest in this Ivan guy was sparked. I wrestled with it for a week, a little surprised at my own feelings that were beginning to grow and the peace throughout all my processing with God. I decided I was going to wait on God and not try to take things into my own hands. I was pleasantly surprised 6 weeks later when Ivan slid into my DMs ( yes this actually happened!) after I had posted a song and we started chatting. I kept my guard up and tried to play it cool. That same weekend my amazing friends asked me to hang out with them and Ivan at his cabin. Then 2 days later the man went and asked me out and I was thrilled to go on a date with him and get to know him more.

Ivan’s version: Like a good story ours started with a little history. The first time I met Miranda was at our friends, Lee and Cindy’s wedding in 2020. Over the course of the next few years, I had the privilege to spend time with Miranda at a few parties hosted by our mutual friends but never really took to much interest in her. Then 2023 happened, around the middle of the summer I committed to the Harp & Bowl intensive at Branch Church, and I went through a time of fire and refining which lasted approximately 4 months. Through all that God was preparing me for what was about to be the biggest change I was to face in my life. One beautiful fall Friday in October as I sat in my tree stand while doing some bow hunting, I was scrolling through social media and came across a story posted by Miranda and it turned out she had shared a song that her home church had written and the song caught my attention. I slid into her DM’s and we chatted about the "song". Something in me was stirred for whatever reason and I couldn’t let it go so I was still thinking about this the next day and was like, “God what is this? “ Over the next few days, I was praying and processing through what was going on and God used some key people to speak into and affirm what I was asking and so I decided to ask the young beautiful Miranda out and here we are a mere 7 months later and are getting MARRIED:) Our story is a story of God's faithfulness over our lives and that he does truly care for each and every one of us and still does give good gifts. He is worthy of our praise!