Melissa & Cody - December 21, 2014

I first saw Cody in our kinesiology lab in the fall of 2013. I thought he was so attractive, but we never really had a chance to interact. Finally, at the end of our semester, we got grouped together for a blood pressure lab. I quickly volunteered to be the one to take his blood pressure (because I needed practice, of course), and proceeded to rant about random things, including my lobster Halloween costume. I left class thinking nothing of it, and sure enough, Cody asked me to get coffee two days later. I was SO nervous, but we did go to coffee on November 16, 2013, and every day from that day forward has been an incredible adventure. By January, we knew without a flicker of a doubt that we wanted to be with each other forever. Cody took every single day to make me laugh, make me feel treasured, honored, and beautiful. He has romanced me through countless letters, notes, and beautiful text messages. He has shown me how special I am to him by the way he treasures and pursues time together. He has honored me by showing me unparalleled respect, sacrifice and chivalry. He has demonstrated incredible character in the way he always keeps his word, always turns my eyes to Jesus, and consistently leads our relationship. I have never been filled with so much joy before. I have never laughed so hard with someone that my face muscles cramp (and my sister is pretty hilarious). I have never felt closer to the Lord. I’ve never known what true love was before, but now I do. Cody Michael Dukquits fits every obscure angle of my personality, and reflects every romantic desire in my heart. I have never been so sure and confident about something in my whole life. I thank the Lord every day for giving me such a sweet gift, and showing me how incredible love is.

I have never believed in soul mates before now. I truly believe that God creates deep romantic desires in the hearts of young girls, and then fulfills them when the time is right. For me, God first had to show me that true love and beauty flows from Him. I cannot rely on a human being to sustain me, I can only rely on Jesus. Only then could I recognize Cody as an exquisite reflection of the love of Jesus. Only then could I fully accept and appreciate this magnitude of pure love from a man.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (John 12:34)

Thank you Lord, that this is only the beginning of an incredibly beautiful life.