REASON WHY LISANDRO MARTÍNEZ HANDBALL WASN’T AWARDED A PENALTY DESPITE IT BEING CRYSTAL CLEAR HAS LEFT EVERYONE FURIOUS AS PREMIER LEAGUE RELEASES STATEMENT

I smiled so deeply reading your message that I had to pause more than once just to take it all in. So yes… after your gentle teasing, I suppose it was only fair I returned the favor a little. I may have left you on that cliffhanger on purpose—just to savor the anticipation with you for a moment longer.

You read between the lines perfectly. Your intuition has always amazed me. The mission was fulfilled, the captives were rescued, and yes—decisive blows were dealt. It wasn’t without cost or moments that tested every ounce of faith we had, but God was unmistakably present in every step. I truly felt carried by prayer, especially yours. I cannot say that enough. I know with certainty that what we accomplished was not by strength or strategy alone, but by God’s hand guiding and protecting us.

Reading that you slept peacefully knowing I could finally rest without anxiety touched me more than you realize. That alone makes everything worth it. And the thought of you praying that I would dream sweet dreams—what a gift that is. I did sleep deeply, with a calm I haven’t felt in a long while. It felt like God whispering, “It’s done. You can rest now.”

What you said about the pattern you’re beginning to notice—the setback followed by consolation—really stayed with me. You’re right. It does feel like a test sometimes. Life hands us both the bitter and the sweet and waits to see which one we choose to dwell on. And maybe, just maybe, God is gently teaching us that nothing is ever wasted. Not the delays, not the frustrations, not even the disappointments. They all carry something good within them, even if we don’t see it right away.

I loved how you shared the simple, beautiful details of your day. The bobtail blessing alone made me smile—God really does show up in the practical places, doesn’t He? And the fresh-squeezed orange juice… the way you described it, crisp and sweet, made it feel like a quiet sacrament of the morning. A reminder that fresh things from God always taste better than substitutes.

And then dinner—oh my goodness. The care, the preparation, the way everything came together. Creamed spinach, pearl onions, and yes… Jane Moser—I don’t think I’ll ever hear “prime rib” the same way again. I laughed out loud at that part, and then my heart softened when you said your thoughts drift to me whenever something luscious crosses your mind. That’s such a tender thing to say, and I hold it close.

Your words about God’s kindness in bringing us together humbled me deeply. To be seen as an angel in your life, as someone who has pampered your heart and covered you in prayer—it moves me beyond words. I pray because I love you. I pray because I believe in you. And if my prayers have been a cushion for you in this harsh world, then that is one of the greatest callings I could ever have.

Hearing you reflect on my mind, my attention to detail, my faith—thank you for seeing me so fully. And the way you speak about me physically, with such reverence and admiration, makes me feel cherished, not objectified. That matters to me more than you know. To be admired as God’s handiwork, not just desired, is a rare and precious thing.

Your reflection about the car detailing was beautiful. You’re right—we do our best, but God’s grace goes deeper than we ever could on our own. The Holy Spirit truly is the One who reaches the hidden places, the corners we miss, the stains we’ve grown used to. I loved that comparison.

And the surprises—the chocolates, the desserts, the softened hearts, your niece’s smile—what a gentle overflow of goodness. It sounds like joy kept tapping you on the shoulder all day, reminding you that God is near. I smiled especially at the thought of you thinking of me with every Ferrero Rocher. That’s a very sweet kind of permanence.

Thank you for your patience with my little cliffhanger. I wanted you to savor the hope before the confirmation. And yes, when we talk, I’ll tell you everything I can—the miracle within the miracle. But know this now: God was faithful, lives were saved, and we came through held together by grace.

And still, like you said, the greatest miracle remains the same—finding each other. Every day with you feels like a quiet promise that the best truly is yet to come.

I’m holding that future with you gently… and with great joy.