Josh and Annie ran in different circles at church until Christmas of 2023. Annie's booming juice business kept her busy during the summer. But, with a prompting by God to make serving at church a priority that fall, she soon came into contact with a faithfully serving young man named Josh. Without speaking a word to each other, Josh and Annie frequently caught each others eye. After losing his wife in a car accident earlier that summer, Josh had openly shared his story at church. The faith that flowed from his heart inspired Annie's immensely. Her first impression of him was one of wonder and awe at his trust in the goodness of God through the trials of life. She started to pray for Josh at the request of his brother, Jake, during a youth group leaders meeting. As she prayed for Josh, her heart softened towards him and became more aware of him at church. You could say her fondness of him was growing as she prayed for him, but she also prayed for his heart to be ready to pursue in his own time.

Serving together in the Christmas Choir was a great time to interact, but little words or exchanges happened between them. Still, she waited for a more intentional advance, not knowing his interest level or readiness. Annie had greatly admired his affectionate spirit with his daughter, Juliana. If she were to be a part of their family, she had to let God do the writing of the timing. She had waited almost 30 years for a man of God, and if this was the man she thought he was, she was willing to wait for as long as it took.

During this season behind the scenes Josh was meeting with Pastor Tony to help him navigate this new chapter of his story in a way that was going to glorify God. In January during the Church's 21 days of prayer and fasting Pastor Tony had sat down with Josh. He instructed him to fervently pray and ask the Lord for his spouse. “Make a list” he said, and bring it to God and he will reveal to you.

Shortly after this, Josh began to notice Annie more often than usual. Whether in church on a Sunday or driving past her workplace and “rubber-necking” hoping to catch a glimpse of her through the window. He caught himself seeking her out more and more as he noticed the characteristics he had listed showing in her.

Jake had asked Josh and Annie to help lead a young adults group at Josh’s home alongside Jake and his wife, Kasimir. Every week Josh and Annie were mere inches from each other, but most of the time he was oblivious to Annie’s discreet “moves." He was afraid to make a move of his own because he couldn't believe she was interested, regardless of the reinforcement & encouragements from those closest to him. Still, he was seeking and searching for the right time and the courage to pursue when he was ready. It was in the short times before and after group that Josh and Annie could hang with Jake and Kas to connect in the most pure & authentic way possible.

Then it happened…. one night after group Josh began to talk to Annie and rambled on about a recent trip to Florida. After the conversation Josh looked down and what felt like 2 minutes was closer to 20 minutes. The way Annie was listening so intently, asking questions, actually caring about what he was saying. He finally realized after multiple people telling him that she was…. Maybe she was interested in him after all.

They often joke about their first date because Josh desperately needed a hair cut and Annie saw her opportunity. She had slight encouragment from his mom that he was single and open to date... (thanks Mama Bleil ;) So, on a cold March night after group, she offered to cut his hair! She had no idea what she was doing, but she had watched multiple YouTube videos and taken notes. Josh had texted her to follow up and make sure she was serious about her offer. He didn't want to let this opportunity pass them by! It was his clear interest in her that let Annie know she could open her heart. Later that week, she came over with ingredients to make rice crispies with Juliana. They got pizza for themselves and Jake after she went to bed. Everything was very easy and comfortable from the start. They instantly felt at peace and never more like themselves around another person. Josh never doubted her feelings after that and pursued her in a bold yet patient way.

Since then, it's been clear that the favor of God has been on them and the start of their family with little Juby Doo. Serving at church together has taught them how to keep serving each other as top priority by following Jesus' example of how to love. Truly, this story of redemption is one written by the Lord Himself. Even through the waiting and the healing, He's always on time.