We met when Lauren's parents made her go to church. I was immediately awestruck and knew that I had to talk to her. Who was this girl? Why was she wearing a neon pink tutu with black pants and a band tee? Why did I need to talk to her? I don't like talking to people. What is this? Little did I know that over the next several months we would become close friends and I would become even more certain of this fact: God had revealed that this was the girl that I was going to marry. So, I began to pursue her! It was only the logical thing to do - scratch that - was it? I didn't know if she was interested. But I felt like God was saying we were going to get married. Anyway, I pursued her with that in mind and it really freaked her out. So, we didn't date, for five years... until May 2015. We dated for two months and Lauren rightfully broke it off. During our time apart, God revealed to me that I had placed Lauren higher than Him in my life. That put pressure on her that was never meant to be there. I had created an idol out of this woman whom I love. But God grew me through our separation and when we were placed back together in the summer of 2016, I tried to control the relationship by not allowing it to grow. But, as anyone who has tried it can attest, when we try to control our relationships, it doesn't really work out. So I prayed and asked God what His will for this relationship was. I brought this to Lauren and we sought God on it for several months until we finally started dating in February of 2017. It's been a crazy couple of years and I am so blessed to have seen this woman grow. And it's been an awesome couple of years as I've seen God grow me. Through good moments, and bad moments He has been faithful. I cannot wait for June when I get to call her my wife and God's promise that I tried to force is finally realized. I am going to marry this woman, in His time, which is really so much better. I GET TO MARRY THIS WOMAN!!!

We met at the end of my eighth grade year when my parents decided we should try going to church. I was super shy and awkward. I didn't even want to go, but my parents didn't give me a choice. I showed up in a tutu, band tee, and chucks. I didn't really feel like I was going to fit into the youth group, however, Isaac noticed me and welcomed me from the first moment my family walked through the doors. Then he invited me to choir practice. That's when welcoming became annoying. As our friendship developed, I learned that Isaac was a good friend, a wonderful listener, and faithful to the commitments in his life. He cared about people and had a desire to pursue God. I was drawn to all of this about him and wanted to be his friend. As we were both growing and changing, we were there for each other through difficult times. He was my best friend and a person I could trust. He was the boy that showed up with a saw and cut up a tree that fell on my parents house before it was even a possibility to date me. He showed up on Christmas with a homemade pumpkin cheesecake because he knew they were both my favorite desserts. I have wonderful memories with this man because of his consistency, his servant heart, and his sweet pursuit of me throughout the years. Through our interesting adventure, there was a time that I really felt I would not be with this man forever. However, God had a different plan. It's beautiful to me the way that God took Isaac out of my life so that He could become the center of my life. The Lord pursued me at my lowest point of that year and a half that I didn't see Isaac. He met me in my mess and He revealed himself to me so that I could experience His perfect love for me for the first time in my life. The way that God brought Isaac back into my life still blows my mind. I cannot believe how far God has brought us as individuals and together. I am so excited to marry this man that God designed and hand-picked just for me. I love you Isaac William. <3