Sometimes, when you’re single, you doubt the Lord’s goodness.
You forget that there is a difference between being alone and being lonely.
You pray fervently for a pious spouse. And then you stop praying, sure that the Lord’s good gift of marriage is not for you.
You resign yourself to a life you didn’t imagine, one you didn’t want.
And then, in His perfect time and in His perfect way, the Lord gives you the perfect gift. And, in this case, that gift was a 6’2 Lutheran dairy farmer, one who had been praying and waiting himself.
And when that happens, you just can’t help but kick your heels up a little. Because when the Lord does something, He does it well. When He sees you through all broken hearts, all the tearful calls to your mother, all the whining to your sisters and your best friend, all the sighs, all the Valentine’s Days, He does it in style.
Because His plan is always good and perfect and best.
Despite the evidence.
Despite proof of the opposite.
Despite your feelings.
And sometimes, when it seems He’s feeling particularly generous, He gives you a man who loves red Ford pickups, hymnody, gravel roads, reading, the Lutheran Confessions, and cowboy boots as much as you do.
And you wonder why you ever doubted.
{photos courtesy . . . Mom!}
stet 
So excited for you. Praise God for his gift of marriage.
This is so beautiful and encouraging!
awww ❤ congratulations. I love it when you look back and think "yeah, this must have been part of the plan the whole time."
Being married is awesome, you'll totally love it.
My story, too. Not long after I resigned myself to single life, I met my future husband. One day I realized it had only been 5 years from the time I finished college and met Fred. It seemed like ages. Especially for a girl who grew up in the sixties, when people still got married out of high school.
Chris sounds like a keeper, Adriane. God’s richest blessings to the two of you.
What a great post, Adriane :-). We are so happy for you both and for your families!
So happy for you, Adriane! I’d have to say I wouldn’t have pictured you with a farmer, but you two make a beautiful couple. Wishing you many years of happiness!
This is a little creepy, but I’m a friend of Chris’ and I’m super excited that you guys found each other. It’s amazing how much I identify with this — just before Josh and I met, I threw up my hands and resigned myself to the fact that what was meant to be would happen in God’s time.
I remember texting Chris excited because I’d finally met someone. He’d sort of been a source of encouragement and inspiration trying to come to grips with the aloneness. And he told me about you. And it made my heart happy, that both of us had found someone.
He’s a great guy! Hopefully someday I can bring my suburban boy out for a tour of the dairy and we can meet! (Well, if you’re coming to the dairy.)
PS, this post is beautiful. You’re obviously a catch!
How the heavens rejoice for the joining of your lives! You are right, God is so good in His plans for each of us. A lesson you both were reminded of as you waited for God to bring you together! Congratulations to you both – and God’s richest blessings, may they continue to be poured upon you both and upon your union! And, Adriane, as always, love the outfit choices – and the boots!!! 🙂
Excellent, Adriane! God is so good. And, thank you for sharing your story. It sounds a lot like mine, and there are a lot of people our age who would be encouraged hearing it.
Couldn’t possibly be any happier for you. Congratulations!
Wow. I needed this more than you know! Congrats! You found your ever elusive Lutheran cowboy!…………does he have brothers? =]
There are no words to describe the loveliness of this post, the pictures of the two of you (who are clearly going to have tall, gorgeous children), and the poignant sweetness of your story. Good men are rare. So glad you found one.
Blessed are you! Congratulations to the betrothed! And well done – best thing I’ve read in a while.
From the current organist at Emmanuel Lutheran/Adell — the heartiest of congratulations and God’s blessings to the both of you!
And… Congratulations to you!
This is beautiful! I can relate to the feeling that “no one would ever want to be with me!” But then She appears! A Godly spouse is a blessed treasure!
Congratulations, I’m very happy for you. I hope you have a blessed married life.
Well, I married a Lutheran Dairy Farmer 40 years ago. It is good. Congratulations and God’s richest blessing to the two of you.
I have goosebumps! What a handsome guy. Many prayers have been answered. I wish you all the best!
God’s will is always good and right and in His time.
Love, love, love the pictures.
God is always in the business of writing beautiful love stories!
you both are truly blessed, !! and Mom takes great pics !!
So beautifully written. So full of faith. As that dairy farmer’s mom, I can say that my many prayers for his future were answered when he met and fell in love with you. Good things indeed come to those who wait. Thanks be to God!
Great, moving story of a great courtship, and bringing two Lurherans together in our world is a blessing and perhaps a model for many.
Sweetest post ever. Also made me cry more than just a little, but so glad they are happy tears!