Doorknobs, devotions, mousetraps and a new man.

Isn't 40 days an important number in the Bible? We know that some pretty amazing things happened in that short time span, and it seems that God is reminding me that He still uses such quick periods of time to change our lives. Forty days ago, I went out on a date (another one of quite a few that were the result of internet dating) and had no idea that an innocuous meeting at Starbucks could result in this incredible relationship I find myself in. I was greatly amused by the responses I got from some of my potential "matches": 'I'm a young 55', 'I'm just looking for an older (OLDER!!!) woman to support me'. Really? Is that what my options are out there? Fortunately, there were a few gems.

So, what is so amazing about this man I was able to separate from the dregs of the internet? Have we traveled to exotic places? Does he shower me with gifts? Is he a Ralph Lauren model? No. We are just doing life together. It was evident to me during our first (5 hour) date that Byl shared my passion to lead a Godly life and was, just as I am, seeking the mate that He would have him find. Am I that person for him? Is he for me? Ask me in a few months....

Meanwhile, life is in session. We have replaced doorknobs, shopped for cars, started a couples' devotional, had moments of spontaneous worship, fervently prayed together, and, as I write this, I await his arrival to set up some mousetraps to catch the dog food bandits. Oh, and cleaning the carpet is also on today's agenda. Romantic? You betcha! What makes this relationship romantic is that he opens my door, sends me texts to remind me I am beautiful, holds my hand every chance he gets, and most of all, loves my Saviour as much as I do. Guys, there is nothing more attractive to a Christian woman than a man who is willing and able to lead spiritually and take the time to understand the "Love Languages" of the woman he is dating.

We both hope that you will lift us up in prayer as we continue to seek God's will and His greater plan for both of our lives. Our goal is to be, in Matthew West's words, "In the center of your will for me."

"I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands." Psalm 119:10

I am so blessed to have found a man who is interested in me for all my sterling (and tarnished) qualities. Byl is supportive of my recovery, wants to meet (and has met some of) my friends, cares about my hurts and wants to be a part of my life. He has even experienced the excitement of a hemipelegic migraine at the ER, when I looked so attractive hooked up to an IV pole... and he hasn't run.

The next 40 days contain both John's birthday and the 2-year anniversary of his death. Byl knows about these days and is prepared to stand by me during what could be a tough 10 days. But, (not surprisingly), our God is a God of details, and it just so happens that we get to celebrate Byl's 41st birthday exactly between those two sad days. Isn't that a God-thing?

In Romans 12:12, we are reminded to, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." I have learned to do these and so much more in the past 2 years, and I couldn't have done it without your prayer support. I am looking forward to writing more about this new chapter in my life and continuing my notes on this journey.