“When I thought of all the ways I would meet my wife one day, meeting her on the way to an academic advising appointment did not cross my mind. But the Lord works in mysterious ways. I met Lexie halfway through my first semester of college. I was actually in a really good place - secure in my identity, following Jesus the best I knew how, and truly content in being single.

It was a Wednesday afternoon. I was heading out of the World Famous Bean. Across the campus center, I saw a friend of mine, so I went up to her to say hello. She was sitting with the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. She smiled at me and introduced herself as Lexie Hughes. We did the basic college introduction (name, hometown, major). When she found out I was a Bible major, she called my bluff and insisted I recite the Sermon on the Mount (an infamous ACU Bible major assignment). Proudly (maybe too proudly), I recited the first verses to her. She told me she was impressed. Yes, I got my foot in the door by reciting Scripture (Psalm 119:11a - go look it up).

Then, I left for my advising appointment, hoping that girl would still be there when I finished. Lo and behold when I had finished, she was. I probably did some sort of fist pump before making my way to the table. When I got there, I asked if I could sit and do my homework with them. The reality was homework was just a means to know this beautiful girl.

It worked. For the next hour, Lexie and I had a surprisingly depthful conversation about the Lord. This made me excited. Not only was she drop dead gorgeous, but behind those beautiful blue eyes was a heart that was full of love for Jesus. In my hour of knowing her, I knew I had hit the jackpot.

Lexie then had to leave for class. When she did, I turned to our mutual friend and exclaimed, “she’s pretty cool!” (My way of saying “this girl is beautiful. Please tell me she’s single.”) To my relief, she was. Fast forward a day and a half, and I saw Lexie at the ACU intramural fields, where I asked her out on our first date. A few dates and many, many (and I mean many) Lunsford walks later, and I had pulled it off! I had somehow convinced Lexie she wanted to date me! How lucky I was.

For the last two years, there has been no greater joy in my life than getting to know Lexie Hughes. I am continually surprised by her in every facet of life. From my point of view, our story is best described by the word joy. Not every moment has been sunshine and rainbows, but every hard moment has led to greater joy in our relationship. What an honor that I get to spend the rest of my life basking in the joy of my relationship with Lexie. Thank you, Jesus. And thank you Kelsie Anderson (mutual friend/middle man who helped work this thing out)”

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