June 5th, 2023, we had a mens group that would meet every other week to dive into the word and just do life together, and for this specific week it was my turn to lead it! I remember feeling so excited to bring the word and felt the Lord all over it, and even His excitement too. So you can imagine how I felt when only 4 guys showed up to a usually 12+ crowd, but yet I still felt the Lord was very exited about that night. Because of the smaller crowd, one of the guys threw out the idea to just go get some DQ and go to Lake Josephine Park right next to it. In the middle of the study, I just remember feeling so fired up about the Gospel, where I just looked out at the park full of people and felt strongly led to go and tell everyone about the truth of Jesus and how he truly changes everything. "Go do it" remarked one of the guys, "alright lets go!" I said after picking up my journal and Bible and we made our way towards the lake. Walking around I really had no idea who I was going to meet or what I was going to say. I talked to a couple people, all of which quickly turned me away, but just up a short hill I saw this woman on a picnic bench with her back to me wrapped in blankets, as it was a colder summer night. I really didn't think twice and just walked right up to her, whom I thought was an elderly lady. However, when I said hi and when she turned to look at me I was very surprised, and if you know Taylor you would know why. The prettiest eyes I have ever seen looking right at me, and her beauty took my breath away, so it took a second to say something. Quickly noticed that she was reading the Bible and had the same exact journal as the one I was carrying! It felt like an hour passed by just in that quick moment as I was very surprised and just caught off guard. After introducing myself and the rest of the boys, I started to come back to earth. I asked if there was anything we could be praying for and immediately she showed her true relationship with the Lord as she started talking through where she was at, and how we could be praying for her. After I prayed for her, both of us packed up to leave the park. When I was walking away, I thought "man... that seems like a rare girl right there" but I was so content at that time, and just threw it up to the Lord with the knowing if I see her again then I'll know. So we both walked our separate ways and me and the guys got to the public rest area, my now best man Danny looked and said to me "what are you doing, go get her number". Long-story short, I knew that if somehow she didn't leave yet or better yet walked back to the table, then I would make a move. As I walked out, sure enough there she was walking back to the table! I went and asked for her number and talked for a while. We completely lost track of time, even to the point the guys I came with drove off without me. But that was it! Driving home I was absolutely floored and couldn't believe it! I just had a feeling that one day she would be wife, and you'll find out more why at our wedding ;). But just a couple days later we would go on our first date, then basically right after the second, the third, and so on. These past couple years have been packed with so many amazing moments and hilarious stories that I will definitely tell our kids (like how Taylor tried to run away from the cops on our second date). We have walked through so much together and the Lord has been so faithful through every step. We can't wait to celebrate what He has done, and the gift of this marriage with you guys on a hopefully beautiful sunny Saturday, June 6th. :)