When it came to dating, I rarely felt pressured to pursue a serious relationship, despite going to Liberty University where the motto was “ring by spring”. Over the years at Liberty, one by one, my friends were apprehended by the loving clutches of marriage, until I was the last one left. Seven years and three degrees later, Liberty University was unable to produce a woman godly, beautiful, wonderful, caring, supporting, or hot enough to catch my interest and pull me into a marriage wonderland. So given my lack of spousal interest at Liberty, I graduated, went back home, and began to get more involved in my career. Though there were murmurs about potential dates for me back in Florida, I believed that I wouldn’t find the “one” until I was about 30. But low and behold, my church Calvary Jupiter had someone special waiting for me. My family and I have been going to our church Calvary Jupiter for over 17 years, so we usually noticed when someone new came to visit. During one summer in between semesters, I happened to notice an attractive blue-eyed, blonde-haired young lady who was new to the worship team. What surprised me was not only how beautiful her voice and appearance was, but how I could tell she sang to glorify the Lord, not herself. It wasn’t until a few years later, a missed opportunity at the beach, and a swift gift exchange, that Emily and I formally met at the young professionals group at Calvary in June 2020. After a month or so of book studies, game nights, and dinner events, Emily’s godly character became too much for me to handle, never in my life had I met such an amazing, godly young woman who truly pursued the Lord in everything she did. So, after I prayed, fasted, and sought wise counsel, I knew for certain the Lord was calling me to pursue Emily, so pursue I did and as a result, I have found myself about to marry the most wonderful woman God has ever created, Emily Freeman.

“I’ve always been a romantic & have daydreamed/prayed for my future husband since I was a kid. I was cautious in dating & valued waiting on God, but definitely expected the typical “ring by spring” story. Although I tried to trust God in this area, I was discouraged after graduating from PBA without any “prospects”. God used post-grad to teach me who I am/what I enjoy, give me a deeper understanding of prayer, my words, & that He is who He says He is/can do what He says He can. So, I began actively praying for God to bring me the right person. Then, after Calvary reopened in May ‘20, I noticed “a new guy at church”. But, someone told me that he was home from Liberty & he was always with a girl, so I assumed he was in undergrad/had a girlfriend (a no from me on both). Then, he joined my small group & I was interested because he was so insightful or said the same comment I wanted to! I later learned that this “new guy” had actually been going to Calvary for 17 years, was 25 & in his 2nd Masters, was with his sister – not a girlfriend, & was named Clark Eaton. The more I got to know Clark through group activities/conversations, the more I was impressed by his character, steady yet so fun personality, desire to serve/obey God, & how insanely handsome he is. I had never met anyone like him, so I started praying for opportunities to get to know him. Thankfully, God put the same desire in Clark & he intentionally pursued me. While dating, I was consistently amazed by how he followed through on his word, was so affectionate, loving, & patient, & we had SO much fun together. I always prayed that my future husband would love God 1st, love me 2nd, & be the most fun person - Clark embodies all 3. God gave so many answered prayers & constant confirmations to continually show that Clark was who God had set apart as my husband & was immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine. I am SO grateful & excited to begin this journey of marriage with my best friend & the best man ever.”