The Shinn Digs

No … we didn’t change our wedding date … it’s still December 16th, so don’t panic! But November 10th will be very special also. You see, Matt Moran and Amber Squire will be getting married that day! There are many reasons their wedding is special, but I’ll tell you why I’ll be giddy …

In the fall of 2001 when I first moved to Santa Barbara and started FCA, I met this big, tall senior baseball player, Matt. He came to our FCA Huddle every single week, but I was pretty sure he didn’t know Jesus … but he kept coming … he kept asking questions … he kept having fun with all the people he met.

About the same time I met Amber, a freshman on the women’s soccer team. Amber was the same way … kept showing up, hung out with Erin, also a freshman, who loved Jesus and patiently taught Amber about Him.

I believe it was about February that Matt called me and wanted to have dinner. He had decided he wanted to follow Jesus … not just in word, but with his whole life! Six years ago … wow … Matt has grown into a solid, obedient, faithful follower of Christ. He is a teacher now, and as I watch him serve, I get goosebumps! I think Amber told us sometime in May that she had decided to follow Jesus. She never looked back. She loves the Lord and has grown so much into a beautiful woman of God.

They were friends for a long time … then what happened, only God can know, but they started dating 2 1/2 years ago … just before Amber moved to Louisiana for two years!! She’s back now … working on her PhD at UCSB. They’ve bought their first house. And they’re getting married on November 10th!

In some ways I’ll feel like a proud parent that day … in some ways I’ll feel like an excited friend, getting to go through engagement and marriage right along with them … but in all ways I know I will feel giddy and blessed … blessed to be a part of something so special … that God had planned and ordained way longer than the 6 years ago when they each met the Lord and met each other. Wow. It’s going to be awesome! Here are some fun photos!