Our story begins, and continues with, "GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME, and ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!"

Rebecca was married to Mark for over 26 years when the Lord suddenly and unexpectedly called him home on June 28, 2017. Never in a million years did she expect the Lord to bless her again with the love of another amazing man! But, He is GOOD!

Meanwhile, all along, Steven was praying and asking the Lord about His plan for him and whether it included someone to share in his journey. He felt the Lord was saying yes, but how would this all play out?

Lisa, Rebecca's friend of 30+ years, met Steven at their church and thought Steven and Rebecca would be great together. But, Rebecca wasn't ready for a relationship and didn't give it another thought...for awhile.

ONE YEAR LATER, Steven randomly found Rebecca on Facebook Dating, but she immediately thought Lisa put Steven up to it to find her and message her. But, nope! It was 100% God's plan being played out! Rebecca recognized, as well, this must be the Lord leading and she needed to give this guy a chance. If anything, it was a free dinner!! LOL

Steven and Rebecca met at the Fifth Fireside Patio and Bar in Richardson on Saturday, September 16th, 2024, (GREAT choice, Steven! This is now their favorite restaurant!), and the conversation flowed for over 3 hours! At that dinner, Rebecca learned that Steven's daughter Madi and son Tye, both graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and are friends with Rebecca's son, Alex who graduated from there in 2019! During that long conversation, they discovered they share a deep love for the Lord, both love their families with all of their hearts, and want God's will and best for their lives despite the deep pain that they have both journeyed.

After two weeks of dating, Rebecca got scared. Like, REALLY scared. Sometimes, it's easier to shut down rather than take the steps needed to make room for another love, and so, she decided to end things on a particular park bench at a nearby park. With great difficulty, they said their goodbyes and parted. After about 20 minutes of feeling pretty miserable, Rebecca looked up from the bench she was sitting on and saw Steven walking back towards her. WHAT??? What was he thinking?

What Steven was thinking was, this breakup did not feel right. He felt like the Lord said, "Go back and fight for this. This IS what I have for you and Rebecca." Little did Rebecca know how significant that walk back towards her would do for her heart. What a HERO!! After some major conversation and lots of tears, Rebecca realized that this relationship was from the Lord, and HE is greater than ALL of her fears...TRUST HIM in the process...MAKE ROOM...this is a beautiful thing...God is at work...let HIM accomplish HIS plan...you CAN love again.

The journey and healing continues and the Lord has been so kind to reveal how their very different personalities help sharpen them both. Rebecca's zest for life and adventure challenges Steven's penchant for routine and playing it safe. She has restored his confidence in himself that had been lost over the years and reminds him that the Lord will use their stories to encourage and inspire others. Steven is the calm to Rebecca's crazy, the peace to her storm. Steven grounds her when she gets intense and scared, and constantly points her to Jesus first and always.

It takes an incredibly special person to marry a widow. Steven respects the love Rebecca will always have for Mark and makes room for her moments when the waves of grief still wash over her. Steven loves deeply and honorably. Steven loves Asher, and Asher adores him. He's an incredible father and his presence is a gift in Asher's life. Steven makes Rebecca laugh, reminds her to stay in the Word, challenges her to TRUST and release her desire to control. When one does life as a solo parent for 7 years, and has to handle it all, this is not always easy! But, God is good and reminds her through his Word and Steven, to give it all to Him!

Equally, it takes a special person to deal with someone who experienced the loss of a marriage and the baggage that comes with it. Life is not always unicorns and rainbows and Rebecca's huge heart and ability to love well has reminded Steven that God has a plan for them and it is GOOD! (Jeremiah 29:11) She has encouraged him to see in himself what others see in him and more importantly the way GOD sees him.

On Sunday, March 17, 2024, surrounded by all of their children, (11 total!), Steven got down on one knee with Rebecca on THAT PARK BENCH, and asked her to marry him. They redeemed the bench! LOL!

Steven and Rebecca are better together, stretch each other and help each other grow. Their pain has taught them that the Lord is the one they always run to first and foremost, but the sweet gift of marriage is a blessing, because they have each other to love, cheer on, and serve for as long as the Lord gives them here on this Earth. We are so undeserving, BUT GOD, in His goodness and rich love, has blessed Rebecca and Steven with the gift of each other. HE IS TRULY GOOD!

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:3

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