With joyful hearts

We were 1994 star-crossed California babes. Sheur was born seventh in a lively lineup of ten children, while Betty was the youngest of nine. By our teenage years, life had carried us to opposite ends of the country—one to Alaska, the other to Florida. Across the miles, we unknowingly chose to attend sister colleges. In pursuing both God and our education, we each became involved in recruiting for our schools at the 2014 HLUB Christian Conference. Our booths were only steps apart. We exchanged just a few words—but it must have been enough, because two months later, there was an unexpected Friend Request.

It would be ten years before we saw or spoke to each other again. In that time, we pursued our degrees, stepped into our careers, and became more deeply involved in ministry and community. Looking back, we can see how God was rooting us more firmly in Him—shaping our character, strengthening our faith, and teaching us to be present in the work and people He had placed around us. During those years, we discovered who we were. We found our independence and formed our closest friendships. Then, when we least expected it, God intervened—a rare Facebook post stirred courage in Sheur’s heart, and our “once upon a time” story began again.

“You probably don't remember me but we had met once upon a time ago haha My name is Sheur 😊” “In all honesty, I'm terrible at communicating via text. Truly. Typically, I'd like to meet up in person but with the distance, I'd be open to set a time to talk or facetime. What are your thoughts?” “… if it isn’t too forward of me could I get your number?” After overcoming those early hurdles of caution and fear through prayerful persistence and intentional conversations, simple “good morning” texts slowly turned into “I love you” — and eventually, “marry me soon.”

I prayed for a man who would live with integrity, passion, and humility. Someone I could trust to always try to choose justice, righteousness, and peace. Someone who would approach differences with gentleness, understanding, and selflessness. I couldn’t have found this kind of man on my own — but in His perfect timing, God did. Sheur is a good man — an avid disciple of Jesus who is continually pursuing Christlikeness. He is the first to love unconditionally, the first to forgive, and the first to point us back to Christ. He leads so beautifully, not just in the gentle way he teaches and guides, but by his example and service. I used to say it would take an act of God to get me to the altar. My poor judgment in the past and my fear of commitment made me worry that one day I’d walk down the aisle and not be able to say, “I do.” But how could I walk away from this man? He is what God knew I needed — steady where I am anxious, faithful where I have faltered, and loving in ways that reflect Christ so clearly. And now, by God’s grace, I cannot wait to say “I do.”