I can't believe it's been 2 years since I became Mrs. Steven Irwin. I am so blessed. I am sure I will write more blogs about how wonderful my handsome, Godly, awesome husband is, but for this post on our 2nd anniversary, I want to share a letter that I wrote to e-Harmony (the site that brought us together) back when we had only been married 7 months. Note that this was written to e-Harmony, so it may seem like a walking e-Harmony ad, but it really is amazing to look back upon the circumstances God pieced together to put Steve in my life's path.As I sit here on the 7-month anniversary of our wedding day, I reflect on the amazing circumstances surrounding my relationship with Steve. Without a doubt, God definitely used E-harmony as the vessel to put the two of us together…I cannot believe I married the best man in the world! God is good!
You see, Steve is a lifelong resident of California, and I am from Minnesota. Not exactly the closest in proximity. At the beginning of 2004, I was young, unattached, and had the perfect opportunity to take on a 15 month project through my employer to live out in Orange County, CA. The crazy thing is that I had applied for another position within the company and been turned down just a month before I accepted “the CA project.” Then, the very day that I accepted the opportunity to go out to California, the manager that had just turned me down called to inform me that they had another opening in their department. Had that call been one day earlier, I would have never ended up in California…and the rest of my story would have been history. I thank God that He went on to create the perfect love story for me.
A few months after I went out to California, my sister and I were both home in MN for Easter and she was showing me around the E-harmony site. “It’s like guy shopping!” she said. The site had immediate appeal for me. I had been on several (12, to be exact) blind dates over the previous year, and saw the basis of E-harmony’s match system as quite interesting, more promising, and definitely worth a try. The personality profile fit me to a “tee” and I knew that any guy that would put in the time to fill out the long questionnaire would not be just any weirdo, as was my fear with other sites. And, if they were, the site is so safe with the various stages of communication, I would have pre-screened pretty extensively before even coming close to meeting them face-to-face. The thing that most attracted me to E-harmony was the Christian principles it was based upon. I hope that E-harmony never backs away from that solid foundation (regardless of any marketing audience you feel you need to reach)…it really sets your site apart from any other.
After I had been involved with the site for a few months, I decided to take a break. I was realizing that I could just enjoy the “single life” God was blessing me with to that point and enjoy who I was, independent for a time. I closed all of my matches except one. I honestly do not know why I kept Steve open. We had just started the stages of communication and he seemed to be a pretty cool guy. I decided to see about this one. Again, an awesome thing to look back on now.
Now, about Steve…he is truly my perfect match. The first thing I noticed about him was his eyes. What a genuine snapshot it was right into his heart! I know now that behind those gorgeous eyes is a heart full of grace and truth…and quite a sense of humor (another huge perk)! We have received so many compliments on our relationship from people that have been married for years! E-harmony’s compatibility matching system proved to be right on for us. We are each other’s perfect complement. Steve reads me so well (and, even better, he is trying everyday to learn how to make me even happier…if that is even possible). I have not only come to love him like crazy, but I have developed such a deep respect for him and who he is. Random people will come up to us in a grocery store and tell us what a cute couple we are. We are not simply settling into the married life, it’s getting better and better with every day, as we learn even more about one another!
Our first date was so relaxed…it felt as if we already knew each other so well. Cliché, I know, but so true…and after being on 12 blind dates with the “he’s great and I don’t know why I’m not attracted to him, but I’m just not”…it was a refreshing change! I honestly did not think I would find someone that I had such deep chemistry with. And, of course, it helped that we ended the date with great conversation while eating ice cream! When we were engaged about 4 months after our first date, it did not feel rushed at all. The thing with E-harmony’s compatibility matching and various stages of communication is that we knew more about one another before we even met than many couples spend 3-6 months learning about through the dating process. We were able to immediately dig deep into values, beliefs, and other tough issues before even meeting (after all, at that point there was nothing to lose, so we could just be ourselves!). I cannot say enough about how thankful I am to God for using E-harmony to guide me to my true love. I enjoy telling the world our story, and recommend your site as THE best one out there for people seriously looking to find their perfect match.
Blessed and in love,
Liesl Irwin
You see, Steve is a lifelong resident of California, and I am from Minnesota. Not exactly the closest in proximity. At the beginning of 2004, I was young, unattached, and had the perfect opportunity to take on a 15 month project through my employer to live out in Orange County, CA. The crazy thing is that I had applied for another position within the company and been turned down just a month before I accepted “the CA project.” Then, the very day that I accepted the opportunity to go out to California, the manager that had just turned me down called to inform me that they had another opening in their department. Had that call been one day earlier, I would have never ended up in California…and the rest of my story would have been history. I thank God that He went on to create the perfect love story for me.
A few months after I went out to California, my sister and I were both home in MN for Easter and she was showing me around the E-harmony site. “It’s like guy shopping!” she said. The site had immediate appeal for me. I had been on several (12, to be exact) blind dates over the previous year, and saw the basis of E-harmony’s match system as quite interesting, more promising, and definitely worth a try. The personality profile fit me to a “tee” and I knew that any guy that would put in the time to fill out the long questionnaire would not be just any weirdo, as was my fear with other sites. And, if they were, the site is so safe with the various stages of communication, I would have pre-screened pretty extensively before even coming close to meeting them face-to-face. The thing that most attracted me to E-harmony was the Christian principles it was based upon. I hope that E-harmony never backs away from that solid foundation (regardless of any marketing audience you feel you need to reach)…it really sets your site apart from any other.
After I had been involved with the site for a few months, I decided to take a break. I was realizing that I could just enjoy the “single life” God was blessing me with to that point and enjoy who I was, independent for a time. I closed all of my matches except one. I honestly do not know why I kept Steve open. We had just started the stages of communication and he seemed to be a pretty cool guy. I decided to see about this one. Again, an awesome thing to look back on now.
Now, about Steve…he is truly my perfect match. The first thing I noticed about him was his eyes. What a genuine snapshot it was right into his heart! I know now that behind those gorgeous eyes is a heart full of grace and truth…and quite a sense of humor (another huge perk)! We have received so many compliments on our relationship from people that have been married for years! E-harmony’s compatibility matching system proved to be right on for us. We are each other’s perfect complement. Steve reads me so well (and, even better, he is trying everyday to learn how to make me even happier…if that is even possible). I have not only come to love him like crazy, but I have developed such a deep respect for him and who he is. Random people will come up to us in a grocery store and tell us what a cute couple we are. We are not simply settling into the married life, it’s getting better and better with every day, as we learn even more about one another!
Our first date was so relaxed…it felt as if we already knew each other so well. Cliché, I know, but so true…and after being on 12 blind dates with the “he’s great and I don’t know why I’m not attracted to him, but I’m just not”…it was a refreshing change! I honestly did not think I would find someone that I had such deep chemistry with. And, of course, it helped that we ended the date with great conversation while eating ice cream! When we were engaged about 4 months after our first date, it did not feel rushed at all. The thing with E-harmony’s compatibility matching and various stages of communication is that we knew more about one another before we even met than many couples spend 3-6 months learning about through the dating process. We were able to immediately dig deep into values, beliefs, and other tough issues before even meeting (after all, at that point there was nothing to lose, so we could just be ourselves!). I cannot say enough about how thankful I am to God for using E-harmony to guide me to my true love. I enjoy telling the world our story, and recommend your site as THE best one out there for people seriously looking to find their perfect match.
Blessed and in love,
Liesl Irwin
I truly got the best one. I love you honey...Happy 2nd Anniversary.
6 comments:
Awww, I think that's one of the best things I have ever read. I'm so happy for you guys! It's so neat to see God's hand in your lives and the orchestration of the way you met. What a great testimony! Happy Anniversary!
I seriously almost cried. You and Steve are such a great couple. I have really enjoyed getting to know you both and hope that we can continue to get to know you!
awww, too cute! Did you all do something fun for the anniversary? I brought your money to church Sunday...I'll have to get it to you soon! Sorry it's taken me so long!!
Too cute girl! I'm sorry I didn't write and wish you a wonderful anniversary...things have been a bit "sad" to say the least on this end with our pets (as you know) But I was praying for you and Steve! I'm glad to you know are well!!! God truly has blessed you both!
Love you!
Jen
You are so blessed! That's such a sweet story. And I love all your stories about violin class. I miss you! Ill talk to you soon.
Strangely enough, your story is a lot like mine. I met my husband on a site called 'Christian Mingle' (named something else now though)in December of 2003. He lived in Orange Co. California and I lived in Kentucky. I moved out to CA and we were married in May of 2005, just a few months before you all. We have moved back to KY just this past year (CA was just too big and crowded for me)
Isn't it amazing how God works!?! I had pretty much given up on ever find anyone, and then God said, 'hey, watch this' and brought the most wonderful man into my life.
Congrats to you on your anniversary!!
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