Finally...

I can't say that I was doing everything right. I knew there was still a lot more to change. I still had a lot of pride to swallow and huddles to get over. I was broken. I believe I was right where God wanted me. Sometimes when I look back I can't even imagine what I was doing and thinking. I remember wanting to do it my way. But, my way led to one dead end after the other. Finally, after swallowing my pride, I moved back home. I couldn't keep living my life wrong and expect God to bless me.

I remember Mandy bought me a bible for my birthday that year. I carried that bible with me to work! We even tried starting a bible study before work. People must have thought I went off the deep end, all of the sudden I was a "Jesus freak!" That new christian feeling lasts for a little while, but it wears off. But the feeling of knowing your life is different doesn't.

I continued to go to church. I stayed involved. I knew I was there for a reason. I looked at my life and I knew that I someday wanted to be married but I didn't see it happening anytime soon. My dad liked to use his "prophecy" skills and would often say I was going to meet that certain someone in church. He would even throw in a "and he is going to have dark hair and brown eyes." I just laughed.

Time passed and I found the answer to the age long question...

Is the way to a man's heart really through is stomach?

Yes, it is!

I remember the first time I saw Bill Looman. My heart skipped a beat! There was no way he was the one for me. As he sang, Sunday after Sunday, I just admired him from a distance. My sister often said he reminded her of Tim McGraw and if you know Mandy you know how she "loved" Tim. Mandy, you silly girl, I don't stand a chance with him! Stop it, this is not why we go to church!

One Sunday, I made cookies for after the service. And that is when it happened. I heard him asking who made the cookies. I can not even tell you how excited I was! Fumbling for words, as I said it was me. He liked my cookies! This means something! Will I make you some more, you bet I will! He didn't have brown eyes but they were close enough!

Bill and I have come a long way since the day I told Mandy that he asked me out and she did a cartwheel in the living room.

Did God lead me to that church?

Yes, he did!

Tomorrow, Bill and I celebrate ten years together. We have made it through some of the greatest times and some of the worst times of this life. I don't know what the future holds but I know I am going to walk through this life with my best friend. We will stand up to whatever life throws at us because as long as I have him I have everything I need.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12