September is quite a special month for me. It’s the month I officially started blogging seven years ago and it also happens to be the month of my wedding anniversary. I decided to celebrate these wonderful milestones by digging into the old blog archives and reposting some of my favorite pieces on marriage (if you’re not married, don’t fret – there are nuggets of wisdom for all to glean). My first choice comes straight from the pages of my book, He’s An Everyday God.

It’s one of my favorite stories to tell. How Anthony and I met.

Back when internet dating sites were just becoming a thing, I shared a home with another single mom (this convenient arrangement helped us pay the bills and provided in-home childcare for both of us).

Desperate to be married, my housemate quickly jumped on several of these new dating sites and posted complete profiles that included the best pictures of herself she could find, hobbies that sounded fun and interesting, and some specific details of what she was looking for in a future mate.

She repeatedly encouraged me to jump online and try it too.

No thanks. Not for me. I was very content in my singleness.

Months went by and she hadn’t relented. So, when one of these sites offered a two-week free trial membership (because there was no way I was going to pay for this foolishness), I acquiesced.

I intentionally posted a picture that would scare away mice (not attract men) and offered as little in the “description” category as possible.

The profile went “live” and the countdown began.

Four days in, Anthony sent me a message. The rest, as they say, is history.

Obviously, there is a lot more to this story; however, the element that strikes me every time I share it is how God showed up when I least expected it.

I wasn’t looking for a husband. Truth be told, I didn’t even want to be married. I did everything in my power when I posted that profile to ensure no one would be remotely interested in me.

But God showed up. In a way I least expected. At a time I least expected.

It was all God, no Kristen.

“…the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond what you think.” (Isaiah 55:9 MSG)

Not only did God show up when I least expected it, but He clearly knew what I needed even more than I did.

I cannot imagine my life without Anthony now and wouldn’t have ever dreamed of learning, growing, and being sanctified these past couple decades together in ways that God clearly knew I would cherish and need.

How have you seen God show up in your life in unexpected ways? I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to drop something in the comments or send me an email!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!