We had been going to the same church, Grace Immanuel Bible Church, for a year and a half before we started dating. Up until that point we had casual conversations and would see each other at church events every couple of months. Our acquaintanceship moved towards dating in February 2024 when JJ saw me serving coffee at church. He was transitioning out of a job that required frequent traveling and I was a night shift nurse that didn’t make me available for many evening events. JJ wanted to know more about me and get into my circle, so he joined my children’s ministry class at church. We were able to spend more time together and get to know one another in a natural environment that was fun and focused on helping others. A few short weeks later we started dating and the rest is history!
JJ asked to go to the beach to spend some time together before bible study. We had been talking about engagement for some time so I wasn't thinking that it was going to for sure be that night, but I also thought it was within reason that it could be. JJ and I went for a walk at Coral Cove Beach in Jupiter, FL. As we were walking he was telling me sweet things and talking about the future that we have ahead of us. In our time dating JJ had shown consistency in communication so these were not things that I hadn't heard before, how lucky I am to be blessed with a man who tells me frequently how much he cares for me! As we we walked, very couple of steps I would change my mind if this was him lining himself up for a proposal or if he was just being kind! I didn't know with confidence that he was proposing until he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Obviously, I said a resounding 'YES!' A faithful friend from our church had been hiding in the sand behind some bushes and a gate for much too long in the August heat here in Florida, and was able to capture some pictures of our moment! We then went to dinner where he surprised me with his family and my parents waiting for us. We were able to spend the weekend rejoicing with our family and friends about the blessing that we have been given in engagement. We remind ourselves frequently with "Then the Lord God said, 'it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'" Genesis 2:18 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 We are thankful to God for the blessing that He has given us in every moment of friendship to dating to engagement, and we pray for every moment that leads us closer to marriage and the promise of the rest of our lives together!