July 22, 2003

My parents had been praying for my future spouse since I was born. They had prayed that God would protect and keep him until the day we met. They prayed that God would prepare his heart for me and that he would be a man seeking after God. At the age when I understood that I would grow up and get married I, too, started praying for my husband. At that time I didn't know who he was, but it made feel excited about the fact that somewhere in the world I was praying for the man that I would spend the rest of my life with.

Once I reached 20, I knew I didn't want to casually date. I was seeking after God daily in prayer asking Him to bring my husband into my life. I had never met this man, but I missed him. I longed for him. I wanted to start me life with him. Only God knew that shortly after turning 20 I would meet and fall in love with my best friend.

I remember the night we met like it was yesterday. Turning down Rachel and Robert's street praying that if this guy was who God had intended for me that I would know when I looked in his eyes to say hello. Believe it or not, when he entered the house we locked eyes and I knew. This was the man I had been waiting for. This was the man that my parents prayed for. This was the man that I had missed and longed for. This was it.

After the evening was over, I went home. I entered the house and went to my parents room. I fell on their bed and sighed. I said very simply, "I met my husband tonight." And that was it. We started dating officially August 16, 2003 and became engaged on October 15, 2003. We were married the following year on August 21, 2004. When I tell people our story they always look a little taken back. I think because it moved rather quickly. But, I always say, "When you know, you know." I truly believe because I had been in prayer about this part of my life and trusting that God would bless me, He gave me the knowledge on that July evening of who I would spend my life with.

So, Nate. This is the name of the man that I have been blessed to call my husband. He is truly his own man. He doesn't apologize for his feelings, he is strong in his faith and he protects those he loves. People that first meet him always say, "He doesn't talk much, does he?" I always tell them I talk enough for both of us! :) The thing I love most about this man is his commitment to me. I have not always been the best wife or friend. I have not honored and respected him in the way he deserves. But, even in those very difficult days in our marriage his loyalty to me is unlike anything I have ever experienced. I don't think another man in this world could handle what I put him through. He will never understand the depth of my love and respect for him.

The way Nate has loved and forgiven me reminds me of God's love and forgiveness for all of us. Even when we daily fail Him, disrespect His sacrifice for us and  throw His blessings in His face, God is loyal because He created and loves us. We don't deserve His love and forgiveness, but He gives it as a free gift if we'll take it.