Blake visits New Beginnings for the first time! I (Courtney) had just gotten back from a serve trip in TN with our young adult group the night before, but I made it to church where we met and listened Pastor Randy Fuller give his first sermon of 2022! What a way to begin the new year!!

Blake had fully convinced me that we were going to Birmingham to celebrate our year and half anniversary at of our very favorite places to get a great steak dinner! I was excited and hurrying to get ready to go, so we could get to our reservation on time. I was doing pretty good on time when Chris Miller (our young adult pastor and go-to guy) called and asked if we could swing by the church to help move a cross for church tomorrow. He said he already had Chris Poling (we have a few Chris’s at our church lol) there to help and needed at least one more strong guy. I was a little concerned about being pushed for time, but I obviously agreed we could come help. Once we arrived at the church, Blake emphasized that he was pulling in the wrong way under the awning for a quick exit to make our reservation on time. He said he was going inside to help move the cross. I asked if he really needed my help for anything since I was dressed up more than normal. He quickly replied that the chairs might need moving. I rectuctantly went inside with him. He opened the sanctuary doors, and I got a glimpse of the beautiful roses down at the front. I realized what was happening and followed his lead to the front alter. There he gave me a beautiful purple rose, read scripture to me, and got down on one knee as he asked me to be his wife. The moment was so special and captured in such a beautiful way. We then celebrated being newly engaged with so many of our friends and family. It could not have been more perfect!