The Love Story of John & Chelsea

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Matthew 6:33 

(KJV)

Graphic Design by Zach Smith

"The Love Story of John & Chelsea"

"I had just moved from Indiana to Buffalo with my family and was not in a great place in many ways. I was functional enough after the upheaval and turmoil of a move in the middle of my college experience however, that I was able to get a job pretty quickly at the local coffee house, where I began work as an experienced barista. 

There was this girl, Chelsea, who had just been hired at the coffee house’s other branch,.  I’d only seen her fleetingly, since she mostly stopped by my location to check the register and help with shifts, but I was instantly attracted to her and thought maybe I’d ask her out.

Cue my cowardice. I waited months until they finally consolidated our two stores into one location and we started working together, but even then, it took me forever. She later told me that the weekend I called and asked her out, (for bowling, of all things), she had consciously decided if I waited any longer, she’d say no. But I didn’t, and so we started dating.

It felt very special very quickly. She had not been raised in a Christian household, and I was in the middle of figuring out my own personal faith and relationship to God.  So somehow, even though we came from wildly different backgrounds, when it came to talking about spiritual matters, we quickly found a pretty common language of curiosity and positivity.  The next thing I knew she was visiting church with me—when we weren’t taking walks in the back country or going to see midnight showings of sci-fi movies she never would have picked.

One year to the day after our first date, I proposed, with me at age 22 and her at 19. Of course we heard all the “you’re too young” stories, but we had the same reaction: there was no point in waiting when we were already so sure of it. Two years to the day after our first date, we were married. She had been baptized at this point and both our faiths were growing, but now together. No matter what theological points we may have disagreed on, we both felt that the only way this whole adventure made sense was if God had planned it.

Cut to thirteen years later. We celebrated our twelfth anniversary last year, and have three beautiful children who have her light hair and fair complexion, my crazy sense of humor, and a love for Jesus that cannot be faked. In a lot of ways, our awe and humility at God’s incredible foreknowledge and care increases with time, instead of lessening, because with all that we’ve been through together, getting us together in the first place looks more and more like the opening pitch of a baseball game. 

So much more has happened since then to confirm God’s love for us in that He knew exactly who we were both meant for, and He gently led us separately until we were ready to meet. I told her something yesterday in all seriousness—if I were to make a list of people who have influenced me the most (and for the better), she is right under God with a bullet. If I ever need proof of a loving God, I just have to remember the person He brought into my life and has allowed me to grow and learn with in love."

Bio:  John and Chelsea have been married since May 5th, 2006. They met while working together at a coffee shop in western New York State. They currently reside in Virginia with their three children, Jack (9), Julia (8), and Adeline (2). John is an elementary teacher in first grade with a second career as a voiceover and narration artist. Chelsea manages multiple personal businesses including sheep raising, wool and knitting products, and customized engraving items. They are blessed to be members of New Harvest Ministries in Willis. 

John and Chelsea, thank you SO much for sharing your amazing love story with us!  It was such a joy to get to know you through this post and to hear how God orchestrated the details for you to meet and fall in love.  Chelsea, I am glad you didn't give up on John, and John, I'm so thankful you asked Chelsea when you did!  God had His hand in the whole process, and He so faithfully guided you.  May He continue to keep His hand upon your lives and grant you many long, happy, healthy years together!

In case you missed them, you can read previous Love Story Posts by clicking these links:
The Love Story of David & Wanda
The Love Story of Michael & Karen
The Love Story of Kevin & Cheryl
The Love Story of Tom & Mary
The Love Story of Michael & Jordan
The Love Story of Ed & Sherry
The Love Story of Ed & Janet
The Love Story of Tim & Linda
The Love Story of Calvin & Michele