God is the Author. The Author of life, who spoke the world into existence. The Author of salvation from eternal death through HIs Son. The Author who creates characters, unique and loved. We are created to glorify God and are humbled in how He orchestrates all things.

As a writer, creating characters is an interesting process. I breathe personality, morals and design into each person that makes them leap off the pages. But bringing characters together is even more amazing. How much more can two grow together in Gods grace?

Well, God in His perfect timing and way has brought a young man into my life, this is Scott Sandifer! 😄

We met through his sister Lucy back while I was at the Ark Encounter during my two years as a zookeeper there. I have struggled so much with bitterness and anger, but God taught me to submit and rest in Him alone. A week later in Lucy contacted me and asked how I felt about long distance friendships/relationships. In my innocence, I thought she was asking for a friend.😂

Me: “I have lots of long distance friendships. When it comes to a relationship they can work in Gods perfect timing.”

Lucy: “Okay, how do YOU feel about being in a long distance friendship/relationship?”🤣😜

In early January, we began a long distance friendship... less than a week later we both desired a much deeper relationship.

February: When we met together for the first time during a visit with my grandparents in Tenessee. Our date lasted eight hours filled with conversation, a bookstore and fajitas.

March: Scott had first said that "I love you" and I declared those words back to him.

April to June: Long distance of studying books, laughter and talking through Facetime gaining small glimpses into one another's worlds. Scott also came to visit Idaho for a week which was a huge blessing!

July to August: More long distance, missing each other and praying for Gods way and timing to be done.

September 16th, 2023: One of my favorite days!

It was a cool Saturday afternoon in which I had arrived in Tennessee and met with you. We had a relaxing afternoon and you showed me around the aircraft hangers. You answered each question and I learned so much about aviation, design and crop dusting. It was even more amazing to hear your passion for it and excitement in sharing this world with me. We went flying too! You taught me how to fly and even let me fly for a while! It was so exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time. I am so excited to go up with you again! Scott, you have literally swept me off my feet, thousands of feet in the air.

We landed about twenty minutes later, had a wonderful picnic and watched the orange glowing sun sink behind the hills. We were holding each other and you asked, “Sierra JoAnne Maynard, will you marry me?” To which I replied with “Yes!” at least a thousand times. As the stars began to sprinkle across the night sky, we prayed, laughed and enjoyed this God-given moment. My heart is bursting with joy of soon marrying you my love! My brother in Christ, my best friend, my love. The ring itself has a beautiful history in that is was your great grandmothers ring given to her in 1948. Rings like this are priceless and I wouldn’t have any other because this one came from you.

My brother Jacob also made a bet that Scott would propose within two weeks, it was definitely within that.😂

We are overjoyed with this blessing from God! We are also excited in continuing this adventure and great mystery that He has designed. “There are three things which are too wonderful for me, four which I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the heart of the sea, and the way of a man with a virgin.” (Proverbs 30:18-19) Calling each other my “fiancé” and “love” have been words that taste sweeter than honey. There are so many things that we are looking forward to and lots to be joyful for in the moment. Things will not be perfect, there will be struggles, fears and failures… but knowing that God has always been and always will be faithful is the source of true joy and contentment. Gods timing is perfect and it’s amazing how He uses our strengths and weaknesses for His glory.

I am so excited to continue this journey with you as God draws us closer to Himself and to one another. Scott, there is no one that I would rather be with in this adventure than you. Praise God alone! His goodness is far beyond anything that we can describe or deserve!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:1

Scott is originally from Mississippi and lives in Tennessee pursuing a career in aviation, specifically crop dusting. 🌾I am a born and breed Californian, pursuing my passion of animals and writing. We have a deep desire to honor the Lord and a huge heart for family. Long discussions, prayer time, or random laughter and goofiness have been such a blessing. It’s amazing too because Scott and I are so similar in personality and interests.

Both of us have been praying for a relationship based on salvation in Christ, it’s incredible how He has blessed us beyond our feeble dreams.

I have no idea where God is leading us, but I am excited for the day when we will be close in a covenant of marriage and learn to honor Him together. Praise God alone!

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) ❤️

Q + A

Where can I send a gift for Sierra and Scott?

Will food be provided at reception?

How far away is Ivey Hall from the church?