Jesus!

Emma, our now sister in-law, introduced Nate and I (Maddie) about two years ago after Emma met me in Costa Rica on a mission trip. As I was starting tag games with little children and feeding stray dogs canadian bacon, Emma thought that Nate and I would make a great couple. I will never forget when she said, "Maddie, I have never met anyone who acts more like a dog than Nate until I met you." She started scheming immediately to set us up on our first double date with her and Grant (Nate's brother).

The first few dates were so fun! Sadly, I (Maddie) moved to Texas for a good long nine months. I ran into Emma and Grant once more as I was back in Nebraska for a friend's graduation. I asked them if I should give Nate a call. They looked at each other and said yes. So Jesus gave me the courage to call Nate. Jesus also gave Nate the courage to ask Maddie on another date. And another. Nate asked me to be his girlfriend a week after he found out I was moving back to Lincoln. A year later, we got engaged and cannot wait to get closer to Jesus together, go to church together, and Lord willing, teach our children all about our Savior!

Jesus has the best plans. But hey, why would we expect any different!

Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Thank God, for our Living Hope, Jesus.