"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord."

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Melody and Stephen first met at the NJ Lottery in 2013. She was an auditor that was verifying the legitimacy of the draw and he was part of the production crew that broadcasted it. Each day Stephen worked he would always look in the sign in the book to see if Melody was working. It always made both of their days when they would get to see each other at the draw where during breaks they would sit and talk. One day Stephen built up the courage to ask Melody if she would like to hangout outside of work. Melody, the ever rule follower, expressed her concern that it would be a conflict of interest. Of course, Stephen took this as her politely letting him down. However, the day finally came when she moved to a full time position at her firm and would no longer be auditing the draw. So to see how true her concerns were, Stephen once again asked to hang out now that it wouldn’t be a conflict of interest. To his surprise she said yes!

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Over the next few years Stephen would see Melody as often as he could as she was studying diligently for her CPA Exams. He would jump at any opportunity to join her Coloring Club for the seniors at a local retirement home, invite her over for art hang outs, and even started going to church with her just so he could see her more often. He did all this despite knowing that Melody was not interested in dating. Though beneath that determined exterior, Melody did have feelings for Stephen, but was convinced it wouldn’t work so she kept avoiding any advances he would make. Even when Stephen laid it out all in 2019 how deeply he felt for her, Melody chose to remain friends.

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The next three years proved difficult for the both of them as Melody wanted to continue the friendship, while Stephen would continue to pursue a relationship. He could tell whenever they hung out, texted, or called that there was more under the surface than what Melody was letting on. Thankfully, after many years of praying and some difficult periods, Melody found herself talking with a pastor's wife at a wedding. That conversation opened her mind to the idea that Stephen and her might work. You see, Melody felt that they were too different and those differences may cause many rifts in the relationship, but after hearing the success of this woman and her husband who were also very different, she was moved and began to believe it was possible.

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In 2022 Melody left that wedding and went straight to Stephen’s house. When he went out to walk her to the door, Melody mentioned how her feet hurt from dancing in heels. Stephen, as in usual fashion, offered to carry her to the door but knew, “That would be like we were dating.” Melody then gave him a big hug and went silent. After a few moments Melody quietly asked, “Do you really think we can make it?” Shaking from disbelief of what she just said, he instantly replied “Yes”. That day Melody gave in to her feelings for Stephen and made him the happiest man on earth. And now four years later, after both happy days and difficult ones, Stephen and Melody have tested their relationship and found that they couldn’t imagine life with anyone else.

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Which brings us to the title of this story, Proverbs 16:33. Melody would always say the lot is with the Lord and it couldn’t be more true. God had led Melody and Stephen to the lottery to start a journey that would bring Stephen back into a relationship with Him and to strengthen Melody’s trust in God. They dedicate this story to Him and know that He is the foundation of their relationship.

Dress Code

FORMAL