I spend time with Jesus one particular night in December 2015. I write on a series of index cards words to God and also....heh...what I don't necessarily expect comes out...I write a script of how I might ask Rose out, Lord willing, if the opportunity came.

It came.

But about a long month later, in January.

All through December, after sunday service, I would look for Rose, but never find her. I would walk up and down the aisles of the pews looking for her. I even attend the same party she had RSVP'd to attend on Facebook. Not there. I actually find out from her (after we start dating) that by that time, she is already discouraged and had given up on any hope of an "us". She thought I wasn't interested in her because if I was, surely, I would have asked her out already! Man...

I'm still in a difficult season, actually feeling disconnected from the culture and people at my church. I was even considering finding a church that fit more of my style culturally. Yet, a scripture, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, leads me to stay: "9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." The day after reading that verse, I come to church, having no intention of asking Rose out. I just know the Lord has a purpose for me at the church to experience His grace. I always deeply loved and cherished how our church always presented the beauty, truth, and goodness of Jesus. And what do you know, that Sunday...I see her!! I'm trying to keep my cool and just focus on the Lord. After service, however, I immediately ask her out on a date as if the words just flooded past the dam of my mouth. We talk for three hours. This woman is precious! The second date is a few days later and I ask her for permission to pursue her, which she accepts and we enter into a relationship. I was like a happy, little kid.

R&M

Wedding Day

4:00 PM

Wedding

Reception