Seven years ago on December 7, 2013, Jim and I exchanged vows in the presence of our family, friends, and our pastor, but most importantly, in the presence of God. We made a covenant with each other and with God.

For those of you who are widowed or divorced and long to be married, please know I longed for that too. There was a four year period of time after being widowed twice–where I wanted desperately to be married. It was during those lonely, grief-filled years that I wrote my first book. There is HOPE in my story.

The second book renders briefly, my story of a failed engagement during my four years as a widow. This book contains more of my early life, my adult life, and the story of our miraculous meeting. There is JOY in this book. My third book, co-authored with Jim, is a guidebook using our own life experiences for those who wish to be married again, and how to go about it. Included are areas to guide you, such as “red flags.” If you are in a relationship you are not sure you should be in, you really need to read this book. If there are areas that might be red flags in your relationship you should read this book. It is a transparent book and sometimes bluntly addresses areas you might neglect that you should really pay attention to.

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Back to late summer of 2013. Widowed for three years and seven months, I dated several “nice” men, but there were some obstacles/differences that I couldn’t ignore. I began to think it was God’s will for me to be single for the rest of my life. Here’s a journal entry from that time: Tuesday, August 27, 2013….

Lord, in my “solitude” which really isn’t, for there are people and comforts, I give myself to You! You are who I need more than anyone–including a husband. Be my strength and shield–and my husband. You know my heart and mind–and my needs, too. Please be with me. Show me Your ways, dear Lord. Help me be content. Take the desire for a companion away if that is not Your will! Or use whatever avenue You choose. 

Another journal entry, Monday, September 2, 2013…..

Speak to me, LORD. You are holy and perfectly righteous. I do not want to make an idol out of marriage. I do want to please You. You, Jesus, are eternal. Marriage is not! Help me understand and establish these truths!

The first entry above was written on a Tuesday. The following Sunday, I met a certain man online, who asked me to meet him for coffee. His name was Jim. Our coffee cups long drained, the date lasted for two hours. Nine days later, Jim asked me to marry him and I said yes!

Do we look happy? We were then and we are now. It’s true, we are no longer on “honeymoon drugs,” but our marriage is enduring and more precious as each day passes. I like this quote from our latest book:

One day, one of us will leave earth for heaven. It will be difficult, but it’s useless to worry about something that will eventually happen. We choose to enjoy the time granted to us, grateful for every shared instant (Second Chance at Love, Chapter Twelve). 

I believe the longing expressed in those journal entries were God-instilled. It was He who said, It is not good for the man to be alone (Genesis 2:18 NIV).Today, as I reflect back on the past seven years, I am amazed and grateful!

God is good.

God is faithful.

We are blessed!