At last...

Every twist and every turn in life leads you right where you are meant to be. Trusting the Lord's plan and His perfect timing allows you to step into faith to bring some of your sweetest blessings. Being deeply loved by someone gives you extraordinary strength and motivation, while deeply loving someone gives you unlimiting, powerful courage. Strengthening each other through every circumstance, cherishing all joy, resting in sorrow and ministering through all pain, and being faithfully present in all of life's silent, unspeakable moments. Although Joe and I first met in high school, it wasn't until that innocent "Hey! How are you?" message I received one random night many years ago that sparked things between us. The best relationships are the ones you never expected. They're the ones that sweep you off your feet and challenge every view you've ever had. Our journey has been filled with many challenges and tests of faith, yet we've been gifted an abundance of blessings never imaginable. Waiting is a sign of true love and patience. Anyone can say "I love you," but not everyone can wait and prove it's true. With mercy and grace, our lives have unfolded perfectly through the beautiful orchestration of the Lord's work and faithful promises. We are humbled by the love and support we have received from our family and friends over the years and are so eager to be officially joined together as one blessed and blended family. All of our love!

Just days before Christmas, our families made plans to explore the beautiful lights to absorb the spirit of the holidays and carry out some of our family traditions. It was our first Christmas without Mama and we were just trying to manage the indescribable void. That afternoon, Joe prompted me to pick out something nice to wear with strict orders not to leave my room. He claimed Daddy was coming to the house to help carry a Christmas present to the garage and didn't want to spoil the surprise. Oblivious to what was happening, I followed his orders and got myself together. Shortly after my bedroom door opened, grinning, he grabbed my hand and lead me to the front door. He paused and gave me the biggest hug whispering "I love you" in my ear. I could feel his heart pounding, so at that moment I knew something was suspicious. Opening the door, it was something one would see in a Hallmark movie. A beautifully disguised, romantic atmosphere full of rope lights, pre-lit lanterns, and red, white, and pink rose petals scattered on the walkway. He poured his heart out to me, got on his knee, and said the words I had been waiting to hear. With a heart FULL of love, I said YES!!! In the far distance tucked away in the corner, was my entire family capturing this sweet moment with us. We were completely overwhelmed with emotions and the day was absolutely perfect. Joe recognized the sentimental value of the time of year. Daddy proposed to Mama on Christmas Eve many, many years ago and then the simple, yet powerful meaning of Christmas...the tenderness of the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future.