Shannon here: Futuristic/Christian Speculative Fiction author, Susan J. Reinhardt shares how she met her husband. Comment or answer the question at the end of any post dated Oct 20 – 24 to enter the drawing for an e-book copy of three of Susan’s books. One winner will receive The Moses Conspiracy, The Christmas Wish, and The Scent of Fear. Deadline Nov 8th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Susan:
How We Met – God Sent Him a Map
I’d been praying for a special guy to come along and sweep me off my feet. Not a lot was happening in that department. My friends and I would joke about my one date per year – usually a total disaster.
One day, I was reading in Proverbs where it says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing.” Hmm, he was supposed to find me. I immediately prayed, “Lord, I know You promised I’d get married, but this guy hasn’t found me. Could You send him a map?”
Not long after, my best friend called me and told me she’d heard about a new Internet dating site on a popular Christian radio program. They matched people on 29 categories unlike most of the other sites. I’d heard enough horror stories that I wasn’t very receptive to the idea. “Oh yeah, that’s a great way to meet an ax murderer.”
But her words stuck. Maybe it was worth a shot. So, I filled out this humongous profile questionnaire, paid the fee, and waited. And waited. I received a few matches with long gaps in between. Most turned out to be non-princely frogs.
In 2002, the Lord began speaking to my heart about returning to Bible School. I couldn’t fathom why since I’d already graduated from Bible School. It would require that I quit a well-paying job and put my life on hold for a year – or so I thought.
Finally, I yielded to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and applied to the school in upstate New York. As part of the commitment, I cancelled my membership in the Internet dating service. I guessed I had missed God on that one.
Two weeks later, I got an email from them: You have a match. Huh? I thought I cancelled the subscription. I talked to my best friend, and she shrugged it off. “Why not answer? It probably won’t work out anyway.”
David and I began communicating through the site and then by telephone. The fact that I was attending Bible School in a few months caught his attention and intrigued him. A devout Christian, he loved talking about the Word of God.
We met in person a few days after Christmas 2002. As we got into his car, he threw a number of maps into the backseat and apologized. “I’m known as the original map guy.”
When he arrived home that night, he called me and asked if I wanted to pursue the relationship. I told him I’d like that very much. He then proceeded to say, “Good, because I’m going to marry you.”
God sent him a map, and we were married a year later.
About Susan: Susan J. Reinhardt’s publishing credits include her novels, The Moses Conspiracy, The Christmas Wish, and The Scent of Fear, as well as devotionals, short articles, and contributions to anthologies. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
A widow, daughter, stepmom, and active church member, Susan resides in Pennsylvania. When not writing, she enjoys time with family and friends, reading, couponing, gardening, and finding small treasures in antique shops. Learn more and connect: http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanJReinhardt, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7012233.Susan_J_Reinhardt, http://www.pinterest.com/susanjreinhardt, Twitter: @susanjreinhardt, http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=250532251&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic
About the book – Scent of Fear: The Zimmermans enjoy the tenuous peace in the wake of their hair-raising year battling the New Patriots. Unexpected visitors once again throw them into turmoil.
Jim Kenneman, Director of National Security, masterminded the plan to break up a hate group ravaging the Christian community. Now, his enemies are out to eliminate him. Should he make a run for it or stick by his tried-and-true negotiating skills?
Monty Addison, a topnotch operative, carried out his assignment in Bird-in-Hand. A plot to destroy his boss sends him on a mission. Without agency sanction, it may cost him everything – his career, his family, and maybe his life.
Dr. Abby Weaver strives to save infants and toddlers in Holmes County, Ohio. When she meets two strangers, she can’t get the tall, handsome one out of her mind. Will their paths intersect again or will dangerous times keep them apart?
Question: Have you or anyone you know ever joined a dating service!
Come back Oct 24th for part two of Susnan’s story!
I loved reading your story of how you met!
I love your story, Susan! I do know a lady that met her husband through a service. We never know how, when or where love might bloom!
melback at cebridge dot net
Loved hearing more about one of my favorite authors! Looking forward to part two! 🙂
Great story! And so thrilled for all your writing successes.
What a sweet story!
Hi Terri – We had a year of miracles! I could fill an entire book of what God did in our lives during our courtship/engagement/wedding.
Hi Melanie – I’ve also met several other people who met on a dating service and married. They sure did a great job for me and my late husband.
Hi Karen – Aww, thank you!
Hi Lisa – I have many precious memories of that time. I only wish David could be here to see not only The Moses Conspiracy, but also the other books published.
Hi Jean – Thanks! God certainly has a sense of humor.
Interesting story, Susan. That could make a great short story.
Such a sweet story, Susan! It was fun to read your real-life romance – the title of this post had me hooked from the beginning! God bless~
Hi Cecelia – Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
Hi Maria – I’m a little dense sometimes, so God made it REALLY clear he was “the one.”
Susan – what a sweet sweet story – I did not know that! Love you. sandie
I forgot to mention this – please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I already have Susan’s books! 🙂 I know the winner will enjoy them!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for sharing your story of how you met your husband. I have tried online singles websites to meet people, but have never had the kind of success you had. Nothing has really worked for me in that area. I remain open to God, but the older I get the less likely I see my future husband coming along. I would like to be proven wrong though! 🙂
Congratulations on your successes in writing and may God bless you with more books in your future!
Susan,
What a cute story! “God, please send him a map!” lol, love it!
Thanks for sharing with us.
Hugs,
Amber Schamel
Hi Sandie – I marvel how God brought us together. Living in different states with no mutual ties we would probably never have met. 🙂
Hi Karen – Thank you! The third book in the trilogy, “Out of the Mist,” will hopefully be out by year end.
Hi Lori – Perhaps God has a different method for you. 🙂 I know a couple of friends who met their mates at a writers conference. Others met at church or other conferences. David and I weren’t youngsters when we met. Let’s just say, “It’s been a long time since hitting the big 4-0!”
Hi Amber – It was one of those “aha” moments when I read that scripture.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
Although I’ve heard this story before of how Suze and David met, I’d not heard the part about the maps! Isn’t God cool?
I’m so proud of you, and your success in writing, Susan.
Oodles of grace,
Jen
Hi Jen –
He sure is cool! I imagine He had quite a chuckle over that one. Thanks for your sweet comments.
Hugs,
Suze
Yes, a friend of mine joined one many years ago & married. They are still married today.
Hi Becky –
That’s great! David and I were very compatible even though we were different personalities. He had strengths that I needed and vice versa.
God bless,
Susan 🙂
Sometimes things have a way of working out when we least expect it or when we have given up. I really enjoyed your story and would love to read more.
Thank you
Hi Aprul –
Yes, I agree. I never dreamed I’d meet the love of my life in that way.
God bless,
Susan 🙂