Shelbea's perspective- The best part of our story, is that God gets ALL the glory. He perfectly crafted every detail, every connection, and every bit of timing to create this beautifully epic story. The dogs' mishap pregnancy, Randi asking me to post on Facebook, and Crystal's invite to the Hyphen rally. God aligned it all to bring Austin into my life. It all started with a dog. Randi McGlothlin was breeding her golden retriever, who found a different "partner" and ended up pregnant with mutts. This was a huge loss for her, but the greatest bonus for me! Eventually, she had me create a sales post on Facebook for the puppies. Every puppy sold quickly and easily, except for one that had four other interested buyers that fell through. After another post, Austin messaged that he was interested in the puppy, but I was immediately interested in him! I told Randi about the cute, single guy that messaged. Randi tried to convince me to come to her house the next day when he picked her up and “just happen” to be there so I could meet him. I definitely was considering it! That morning, Crystal Droddy invited me to tag along with her to a Hyphen rally in Jasper that night. When we walked into the church, I insistently saw him. I couldn’t believe it. Austin was standing there looking at me. He shook my hand and said, “Hey Shelbea, I’m the guy that’s been messaging you on Facebook today.” I was in awe, said something I can’t remember, and thought to myself, “Wow, I totally wasn’t thinking about you ALL DAY today.” He tried to get my attention after service, but I hid behind my nerves. We left, but after Crystal heard about the puppy story from that morning, she turned around and we went back to the afterburner in hopes that he would be there. I was terrified, but I wanted to know him. We saw each other as soon as I walked in. We sat together and he asked me all kinds of questions. I answered them with a blurred mind and a happy heart. He was wonderful and we connected instantly. It took one message to get my attention. One conversation to know I liked him. One date to know I would forever be with him. God had given me a Word during the Sunday, January 1st service that I wouldn't be doing life alone much longer. Austin heard God speak into his life the week before that he would soon meet his person and he could trust God with that desire. My favorite part of it all is experiencing the Lord's faithfulness to His promises. Knowing that God holds on to promises, even if we sometimes let them go. Austin truly is my “exceedingly, abundantly, above all” answered prayer and God gets all the glory.