Many of you have been wondering what has been going on in my life, namely, being suddenly engaged! You may be shocked but so was I! This process has been such an amazing one that I can't help but attribute it to God's grace and timing. So here's the story:

There have been many ups and downs this past year and a half. Moving to the city, having a very stressful job, bosses that treated me terribly and being alone. There were many times I thought about giving up. I, however, stuck it out and my attitude started to change.... I decided to be joyful and content regardless of my circumstance. I told God I would stay in Calgary for as long as He asked and that I was willing to surrender my singleness and being married. I also told Him that I was willing to accept any way He wanted this to happen and whenever, if ever.

During this time God sent many wonderful people into my life to speak to me; unexpected people. One being an older Christian homeless man and another being a world known, Olympic speed skater.  (Cindy Klassen, if you're wondering)  Both have become dear friends and have spoken truth into my life. One thing they both said along with 2 others, was that they were praying for a spouse for me and that if I met someone, the relationship would go quickly and I needed to be ready for that. Now, understand that the four people that told me this had nothing to do with each other. Pretty odd and I stored this in the back of my mind.

Anyway, I was over at a friend's house (who is also single and a year older than me) and she was talking about how she was trying the online dating thing. My first response was, yeah right! She said that I shouldn't knock it till I tried it. I went home with this on my mind and as I lay in bed. I had a very strong feeling that I was being narrow minded and I had said I would do anything God asked. I prayed and felt I had to at least be open to it. I went over to Mel's and said I would do it.

Now, I still don't know what I think about this online thing. It's kind of strange... I was on there for 3 days and was ready to get off. "Ok, God, I obeyed, now I'm done." He had other ideas. As I was looking for a way to close my account, this little window popped up and there was the kindest face asking if I wanted to chat. I stared at it wondering what to do. I guess I should talk to him? So I clicked yes and I am so glad I did. Clicking yes started a series of the most wonderful conversations with such a Godly man. Brad had gone on the site to try it out and after three weeks was ready to be done but decided to try one more time with me. Well, thank goodness he tried! We started talking on Skype (free phone over the internet along with video) almost everyday and, I kid you not, by the third conversation, I knew. I knew this was the man I was to marry. How that works, I don't know, but I knew without even seeing him in person.

SO, we decided to meet and when I got off the plane in Las Vegas (he was involved in planting a church there) and saw him, the feeling of "knowing" was even stronger. I even held his hand right away which is unheard of for me these days. With him I was completely comfortable.

Anyway, I guess Brad knew too, because while out on a hike he proposed to me! Sounds crazy but true! As he got down on one knee by this waterfall, I was freaking out at God saying that if this wasn't from Him He had better tell me now because I could not get "no" to come out of my mouth. I waited for an answer..... about 10 seconds but when a guy is on one knee, that 's an eternity! All I received was a sense of peace, rightness and the feeling that a huge gift was being placed on my lap. I squeaked out a yes. =)

I have not regretted or doubted this decision once. God has been working on me as far as my people-pleasing ways and how to tell people how we met and how fast it has been, but everyday I am seeing how God is weaving our lives together. God's has used Brad to teach me about Himself and see more of who I am in Christ. I feel so protected and loved by Brad that I cannot help but see God in him. God picked the perfect man for me.

Wow... Sometimes I still look at my finger in shock of how much has changed in my life this past year. For so long I feel like I've been adrift just trusting that God must be in control. He is now rewarding me for this, I feel. It felt so good, even before Brad, to totally surrender the greatest fears in my life to Him. Such contentedness and peace.

So practicalities... right now he is in Missoula MT. Long story of how he got there, but also very much God's doing. He comes to visit every other weekend and I have been there a few times too. We are waiting to hear about his work permit so that he can move up here. This has been stressful for us both, but teaching us to rely on God more than each other. Please pray that His will be done but also that we will be able to be together soon.

The wedding is on August 24th at Camp Bighorn. If you think you may want to attend, please email me at stephmay@cheerful.com with your address. I'll keep you updated on details but be sure to mark that day off on your calender.

Praise God for His goodness to us and how patient He is. I am so thankful.....